SonarVision's automatic route feature allows you to start navigation that follows sidewalks and crosswalks without any prior preparation.

Please be aware that the quality of SonarVision’s automatic routes depends almost entirely on the quality of the pedestrian map data available on OpenStreetMap.

How do I start an automatic route?

Choose an existing location on SonarVision from any menu.
Select “Start an automatic route.”

The app will first ask you to scan your surroundings to determine your precise location before calculating a route. You must therefore be outdoors to scan.

If your address doesn’t exist yet, you’ll first need to create it in the “Add an Address” menu. If you’re at the location, you can manually record its position using VPS. Otherwise, you can submit an address request and ask a sighted friend or family member to place it as precisely as possible on our trip-planning platform.

How does it work?

SonarVision uses pedestrian data available on OpenStreetMap to automatically generate routes. The accuracy of automatic routes depends heavily on the accuracy of this mapping on OpenStreetMap. If you encounter inaccuracies or errors, ask a volunteer to take a look at your area on OpenStreetMap.

If pedestrian routes are not mapped or are incomplete in your area, SonarVision will notify you that automatic route generation has failed.

Limitations

Even the best OpenStreetMap data requires compromises: mapping shortcuts and optimized routes is generally not considered best practice. If you’d like to customize and optimize your route, please create a pre-planned route. Learn more: Creating a Good Route.

As explained earlier, errors can creep into OpenStreetMap data. We urge you to exercise the utmost caution and rely primarily on your own navigation skills.

Pedestrian coverage on OpenStreetMap is still very limited. Ask a sighted friend to describe the coverage map to you: SonarVision Technology Coverage Areas.

Finally, as with any SonarVision route, if your destination isn’t pinpointed accurately, you’ll be guided with great precision to the wrong location. Please use publishing platform with a sighted friend to correct the location of your addresses.

How can I get my area mapped on OpenStreetMap?

The easiest way is to request a quote from the SonarVision team to map your neighborhood. You’ll get expert, fast mapping while financially supporting our SonarVision project. Contact Us.

You can also contact your local OpenStreetMap community through one of their contact channels. You can share the following article with them: Improving route calculator results