New app launched in Louisville helping visually impaired get around indoors

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A mapping company based in Louisville has launched a new app designed to help the visually impaired when they're indoors.

Goodmaps is now available for download. It is designed to help the visually impaired or anyone find their way indoors to make Louisville more accessible.

Goodmaps partnered with the American Publishing House for the Blind to make venues, museums, shopping stores and other spaces more accessible.

At the Frazier History Museum in downtown Louisville, users of the app can be guided inside the museum to explore exhibits.

Priya Patel moved to Louisville from Oklahoma. The app helped make her transition to the city easier.

"I shed a happy tear, it makes me feel good something like this exists," Patel said. "It gives me some confidence and the independence to travel independently at these indoor buildings."

Goodmaps said they started the work four years ago, mapping 13 million square feet of space spanning 150 maps, along with partnering with customers across seven countries.

The hope is the new technology will put Louisville on the map for inclusivity and accessibility.

"With the work that Goodmaps is doing in the private sector for people to enjoy and participate in life, combined with what we can do in the public sector I truly believe that Louisville can be a national model," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said.

To learn more about Goodmaps, click here.