Anyone who’s ever been to an international airport would know how easy it can be to get lost. But in the case of Sydney Airport, it’s now that much easier to find your way, thanks to Google’s Indoor Live View.
Launched at Sydney Airport on November 14, 2023, the AR feature makes navigation around all three terminals – T1, T2 and T3 – of Australia’s largest airport smoother and more convenient. Indoor Live View works within Google Maps on iOS and Android device and uses AR to help passengers get their bearings, as soon as they arrive at the airport or airport train station.
Anthony Bertuca, Group Product Manager at Google Maps in Australia, says the map is a game-changer for people visiting Sydney Airport.
“It’s powered by a technology called global localisation, which uses AI to scan tens of billions of indoor Street View images to understand your orientation and provide assistance in real-time,” he says.
Arrows, directions and distance markers are superimposed on the phone camera view, so people know how to get to the train station, check-in counter, gates, lounges, baggage carousels, dining and shopping precincts, restrooms, ATMs and ticketing offices.
Passengers wanting to find a destination in Sydney Airport can enter it in the Google Maps search bar, select walking mode and then tap the Live View button. This will begin real-time navigation guidance within the map. The airport map will also have a ‘Directory’ button, so you can see what shops and dining options are within the airport or easily find the nearest restroom.
Visitors can also select the ‘Wheelchair accessible’ preference to find wheelchair, pram and suitcase-friendly paths. They can also turn on audio navigation prompts.
“This is an especially great tool for travellers facing language barriers and accessibility needs, as it will help them navigate the airport more independently,” says Sydney Airport Senior Manager Business Systems, Belinda Scanlon.
Live View is powered by a technology called global localisation, which uses AI to scan tens of billions of indoor Street View images to understand someone’s orientation. Sydney Airport is the first Australian airport to launch the tech.
Sydney Airport has been working hard on its development. In February this year, it launched a luxury precinct SYD X, a 2,700sqm area housing 20 of the world’s best-known designer brands, including Prada, Bvlgari and Balenciaga.
The new brands have agreed to six-year lease terms through 2027. Among the stores, Louis Vuitton’s will be the largest — the brand’s first travel retail store in the Southern Hemisphere.
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