A time when your mobile phone can help you navigate the homogenous corridors of an indoor mall as easily as the route that got you there is, seemingly, not far off, as Seoul unveils an app that can navigate the city both above and below street level.
Elizabeth Woyke examines the soon to be released free mobile application, called Fing, that, "could set a new standard for city navigation guides around the world."
According to Woyke, "Street-level navigation taps the phone's GPS like a typical mapping
app." But it's when you leave the gaze of GPS tracking satellites that the innovation begins: "in places where GPS doesn't work, such as underground and deep
inside shopping malls, Fing switches to Wi-Fi-based indoor positioning
to track users' locations and provide directions."
"By making malls and underground markets easily navigable, Fing's
creators hope to encourage shopping and socializing. The app is backed
by the Korea Trade Network (KTNET), a subsidiary of Korea's
international trade association."
But not all of its potential uses are tied to extracting more dollars from your wallet. Woyke notes that, "Another major use of the app could end up being emergency aid. A
one-click feature in Fing will send a text message to the nearest police
or fire department. The message will include a request for help and the
coordinates of the user's location for expedited rescue."
FULL STORY: Citywide Indoor Navigation Is Closer Than You Think
Seoul’s Urban Parks Blossom with Books
The Reading in Seoul Garden event invited residents to enjoy free reading and relaxation activities, including digital and live programs, in scenic parks, fostering a sense of community amid the city’s autumn landscapes.
The Basement Apartments of Seoul’s Urban Poor
The lives of Seoul's poorest residents in squalid below-ground housing are brought out of the shadows in the film "Parasite."
'No Driving Day' in Seoul Means Free Transit Rides
South Korea has made public transit a key part of its approach to cleaning the air.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.
This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.
Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)