Soundscape
Navigating with sound for people with visual impairment
On 31st August 2023, we launched our Soundscape service, a 3D spatial audio navigation app for blind and vision impaired people.
Working with open-source code made available by Microsoft Research and in collaboration with corporate teams and private volunteers, the app, which is used globally, is a direct replacement for the original service which was shut down on the same day.
Funding for the hosting costs has been generously provided by the Thomas Pocklington Trust.
Soundscape’s origin
Amos Miller lost his sight in adulthood. Becoming a parent inspired him to instigate a research project with Microsoft and Guide Dogs to “reimagine independence and mobility for blind people with technology in its fabric”.
Amos spoke at TEDx Glasgow in 2015 about his idea that is now Soundscape.
Sustaining Soundscape through the tech for good ecosystem
Securing a viable future for Soundscape has been a tremendous collaborative effort that demonstrates the power of the tech for good ecosystem.
In just four months, we’ve gone from the concept of building a service based on the Microsoft code base to a live app available for blind and vision impaired people and provided continuity for those who depend on Soundscape to give them independence and confidence on a daily basis.
Our blog tells the story of how it all came about.
How does it work?
Soundscape is a spatial audio mobile app that makes it possible for blind and vision impaired people to navigate their way independently around an urban environment. Features included the ability to preview routes in advance of a physical visit, save markers and do more than simply navigate from a single starting point, allowing the user flexibility in their day – in the same way as those without vision impairment take for granted.
