Google has launched Indoor Live View at Sydney Airport, mapping close to 130 retail stores, over 70 food and beverage outlets, 62 gates and 55 bathrooms across the terminals.
It is the first Australian airport to secure this technology.
The new augmented reality (AR) feature on Google Maps covers both domestic and international terminals, providing arrows, directions, and distance markers superimposed on the camera view, to point people in the right direction across the site.
Google Maps Indoor Live View will also help passengers baggage claims, check-in counters, terminal transfer points and ATMs, alongside other key information.
Visitors can also select the ‘Wheelchair accessible’ preference to find wheelchair, pram and suitcase friendly paths. They can also turn on audio navigation prompts, in addition to visual cues.
The new AR technology is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
The mapping of Sydney airport began in early 2022. Google began collecting indoor imagery during curfew hours across Sydney Airport’s T1 international and T2 and T3 domestic terminals, which together span more than 445,000 square metres.
“This is a win for our passengers, who will be the first in Australia to benefit from this incredible new AR technology from Google,” Sydney Airport senior manager of business systems Belinda Scanlon said.
“This is an especially great tool for travellers facing language barriers and accessibility needs, as it will help them navigate the airport more independently.”
Group Product Manager at Google Maps in Australia, Anthony Bertuca, said this is a game-changer for people visiting Sydney Airport.
“AR directions can help people have an enjoyable and smooth travel experience,” Bertuca said. “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.”