Testing Top Rated GPS Apps as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist | Part 2

Finding the right navigation tools is essential for building confidence and independence in travelers with visual impairments. As Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists, we know that technology changes rapidly. An app that was the gold standard two years ago might now be outdated or outperformed by free alternatives.

In this field test, I took three popular GPS apps to the streets of Austin, Texas. My goal was to navigate to the Austin Central Library to see how these tools perform in a real-world environment. We tested Lazarillo, VoiceVista, and Blind Square. We analyzed their settings, directions, and overall reliability to help you decide which tool belongs in your mobility toolbox.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how these apps function effectively and where they might fail so you can support your learners or family members in making informed choices.

Why Real-World App Testing Is Critical for O&M

Building independence and travel confidence

GPS apps are powerful tools for the visually impaired. They provide environmental information that a white cane or guide dog cannot. A cane detects obstacles. An app tells you that the obstacle is a bike rack or a bus stop. When a student knows what is around them, they travel with greater assurance. Testing these apps in complex environments like downtown Austin helps us understand their limitations and strengths.

How software updates change navigation safety

Apps change frequently. Microsoft Soundscape was once a favorite, but it was discontinued. VoiceVista has since emerged as a replacement. It is vital to test these new iterations to ensure they provide accurate safety information. Relying on outdated advice can lead to confusion or unsafe travel situations.

The role of O&M in evaluating assistive technology

An O&M specialist does more than teach cane skills. We evaluate how technology interacts with a student's sensory awareness. We must determine if an app provides too much chatter or if it gives precise navigation cues. Our expertise ensures that technology supports the traveler rather than distracting them.

Lazarillo: Exploring the Environment

Understanding Exploration Mode

We started our route on 3rd Street using Lazarillo. This app is excellent for general environmental awareness. Upon opening the app, it defaults to "Exploration Mode." This feature announces places around you as you walk. During our test, Lazarillo successfully identified a coffee shop and provided the street address. It gave us a clear zigzag route to follow on the screen.

Customizing settings for better orientation

The strength of Lazarillo lies in its customizable settings. During the test, I adjusted the announcement format to use relative directions (front, back, left, right) rather than cardinal directions (North, South). This distinction is important for students who are still learning compass points. I also verified the unit of measure was set to feet rather than meters. Correct settings reduce cognitive load and help the traveler focus on the path.

Real-time routing performance

We selected the Austin Central Library as our destination. Lazarillo calculated the route and provided turn-by-turn instructions. It announced "Head Southeast on Power Plant Drive." One minor issue we noted was the volume of information. The app can be very talkative. It announces every shop and service you pass. This feature is helpful for exploration but can be overwhelming for a beginner who needs to focus solely on directions.

VoiceVista: The Soundscape Successor

Using beacons for precise location

VoiceVista is based on the open-source code from the now-discontinued Soundscape. If you loved Soundscape, this is the app for you. We tested the beacon feature, which places a virtual audio marker at your destination. As you turn your phone, the sound creates a 3D audio effect. This helps you understand exactly where the destination is located relative to your body.

Object identification and environmental cues

VoiceVista shined in its ability to identify specific objects. During our walk, the app called out a trash can, stairs, and a bike rack. These are details that other GPS apps often miss. Knowing a bike rack is nearby helps a traveler orient themselves within a large open space. It confirms you are on the right path even before you reach the front door.

Why this free app competes with paid versions

VoiceVista is free and offers robust features. It allowed us to set markers and create a route easily. The interface is simple. We utilized the "Around Me" feature to scan the intersection. The app successfully identified the Metro bike station and a salon. The accuracy was impressive for a free tool. It proves that accessibility does not always require a paid subscription.

Blind Square: The Premium App Test

Testing clock-face directions

Blind Square is a legacy app in the visually impaired community. It is a paid service, so we had high expectations. This app uses a unique method called clock-face directions. Instead of saying "turn left," it says "destination is at 11 o'clock." This can be a great concept for teaching spatial awareness. However, during our test, the accuracy was inconsistent.

Integration with Apple Maps and Google Maps

Blind Square does not have its own map data for turn-by-turn navigation. It relies on third-party apps like Apple Maps or Google Maps. We selected the library in Blind Square and launched Apple Maps for the route. This caused confusion. Blind Square was giving us clock directions while Apple Maps gave standard voice instructions. The two sources of audio competed for attention.

When paid apps fail to deliver

The biggest disappointment occurred upon arrival. We stood near the library entrance. Blind Square announced the destination was at 3 o'clock (to the right). Then it changed to 11 o'clock. Apple Maps stated the destination was on the left. The actual library was on our left. Blind Square then announced the library was in the opposite direction and stopped tracking. For a paid app, this level of inaccuracy is frustrating. Free apps like VoiceVista provided a more reliable experience in this specific test.

Common Challenges in GPS Navigation

Managing audio distractions and noise

Using these apps requires excellent listening skills. The user must process the voice of the app, the sound of traffic, and the ambient noise of the city. We noticed that having "VoiceOver" running simultaneously with the GPS app caused audio clutter. Students need to learn how to silence one layer of audio to focus on the other.

Dealing with GPS drift and inaccuracy

GPS accuracy varies. In our test, VoiceVista showed an accuracy of 60 to 90 feet. At one point, Blind Square insisted we were 0.56 miles away from the parking lot when we were standing right next to the building. O&M instruction must teach students that GPS apps are secondary aids. The primary tool is the cane or dog and the traveler's own judgment.

Adapting to different data sources

Different apps use different maps. Lazarillo uses distinct data compared to Google or Apple. This means one app might know about a construction zone while another does not. We saw this when VoiceVista identified a "barricade for construction" that turned out to be artwork. This highlights why travelers should never rely on a single source of information.

Teaching Strategies for O&M Specialists

Modeling app setup and route planning

Teachers should model how to set up the app before stepping outside. Show the student how to select "walking mode" versus "driving mode." In the transcript, we utilized the route planning features to simulate the trip before walking it. This "armchair travel" prepares the student for what they will encounter.

Practicing in controlled environments first

Do not start with a complex route like the Austin Central Library. Start in a quiet school hallway or a residential block. Let the student get used to the terms "waypoint," "beacon," and "clock face" without the pressure of traffic. Once they master the settings, move to a business district.

Encouraging critical thinking when technology fails

The most important lesson from this test is that technology is fallible. When Blind Square gave incorrect directions, we had to rely on visual cues and logic to find the entrance. Teach students to ask: "Does this instruction make sense based on the traffic I hear?" If the app says turn right but you hear a wall of traffic, trust your ears.

Final Thoughts on Assistive Navigation Tools

Our field test at the Austin Central Library revealed a clear winner. The free apps, specifically VoiceVista and Lazarillo, performed exceptionally well. They offered reliable orientation and mobility support with useful features like beacons and detailed exploration modes.

Blind Square, despite its reputation and cost, struggled with accuracy and integration during this specific trip. It serves as a reminder that price does not always equal performance.

For students, educators, and travelers, the key is to experiment. Download the free options first. Test them on familiar routes. Master the settings. Technology is a wonderful addition to our O&M toolkit, but it serves best when paired with solid travel skills and problem-solving abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Orientation and Mobility Training

What is the best GPS app for the visually impaired?

There is no single "best" app, as it depends on user preference. However, VoiceVista is currently a top recommendation for its beacon features and object identification, while Lazarillo is excellent for exploring new environments. Both are free.

How do I teach a student to use GPS apps safely?

Start by teaching them to stop walking when they need to check their phone. Audio cues should be used with bone-conduction headphones so the ears remain open to traffic sounds. Always prioritize cane skills over app instructions.

Why did Microsoft Soundscape stop working?

Microsoft discontinued Soundscape in 2023. However, they released the code as open source. This allowed developers to create VoiceVista, which functions almost identically to the original Soundscape and continues to receive updates.

Can I use Google Maps for the visually impaired?

Yes. Google Maps is fully accessible with screen readers like VoiceOver and TalkBack. It provides excellent turn-by-turn walking directions. However, it lacks some of the specialized environmental descriptions (like "trash can to your right") found in specialized accessibility apps.