Seeking Ped-Oriented Navigation App for iPhone?

[jesse_the_k]

I’m going on a trip soon. Last month I proved myself capable of getting completely lost between 22 Monroe and Union Station in Chicago – even while using Google Maps. I learned that GMaps doesn’t complain until I’ve gone several blocks out of the way.

I’m seeking a pedestrian-oriented navigation application for my iPhone. Ideally, it would:

1. Let me plan a trip in advance. (Accepts my input for both start and end destination, instead of planning from “here.”)
2. Provide audible as well as visual prompts
3. Plan travel outside the road network (such as bike paths and mid-block sidewalks)
4. Alert me when I’m headed in the wrong direction.
5. Provide bus-stop locations and schedules

The last one is lagniappe: I can get that info from the excellent Transit.

Comments

[redbird]

I don't know of one, but am tracking this post because if such an app exists, I want it.

[monanotlisa]

Hmm, interesting post, and I'll come back for it -- it's not something the US app space is likely to perpetuate, but there are other app-making nations around...

Specialized Market

[jesse_the_k]

There are quite a few apps in this space that are designed for blind/vision-impaired travelers.

But they're expensive and (surprise!) their websites don't show their visual UIs. I'm afraid I'm too old to learn how to use Voiceover, especially in a month.

[bibliofile]

FaceTime with someone who knows the area?

(I could probably have gotten you around downtown Chicago in person, but I've not lived there for a long time.)

Check for apps local to the area?

[jesse_the_k]

I love your outside-the-box thinking!