Google is continually expanding its maps, both outside and indoors. While this is a huge undertaking, there are some apps that are working on the same task, just on a much smaller scale. The ‘Inside’ app is a perfect example of this, since it makes it easier for mall shoppers to get around by digitizing the mall’s directory.
Augmented reality has a lot of uses and it’s ideal for assisting with navigation. One particularly fun way that it is used is to lead people to an aquarium, using waddling penguins to lead the way.
In addition to destination-focused navigation apps, there are also plenty of applications for exploration, even if you don’t have a specific place you want to go.
57 Inventive Navigation Apps
From Personalized Navigation Apps to Wandering Adventurer Apps:
Laura McQuarrie — Feb 5, 2014 — Tech
57
Innovative Navigation Cams
The Travelling Companion Panorama Camera is Optimal Tourist Technology
56
Image-Inscribed Mapvertising
This Vodacom Geolocation Campaign Finds Your Family Members
55
Smartphone GPS Bike Mounts
Equip Your Bicycle with This iPhone Bike Mount
54
Adventure-Rewarding Apps
The Wrangler 'Mileage' Adventure App Tracks Adventures and Rewards You
53
Mobile Audio Broadcasting Apps
Broadcastr is a New Social Media Tool for Those on the Go
52
Path-Finding Timepieces
The Navigo is a Tactile Bracelet That Vibrates to Act as a Navigotor
51
Coastal Kid-Locating Apps
The Harvey Swim Harness Tracks Whereabouts and Vital Signs for Parents
50
Sporty Navigational Timepieces
The TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch Tracks, Times and Directs Athletes
49
Food Truck Locating Apps
The Toronto Food Trucks App Locates Nearby Eats
48
Social Road Trip Apps
The 'SmileDrive' App Integrates Social Media with Road Trips
47
Floor Plan-Generating Apps
The MagicPlan App Maps Out Your Home Easily and Accurately
46
Navigational Cyling Devices
Say Goodbye to Cell Phone GPS with These Hammerhead Bike Navigators
45
Taxi-Hailing Apps
The ZabKab App Ensures Cabs Will Come Straight to You
44
Social Surburban Cartography
My City Lives Geo-Tags Video Content Onto Virtual Maps
43
Travelling Yoga Apps
Lululemon's 'Om-Finder' App is Made for On-the-Go Movement Enthusiasts
42
Illness-Detecting Apps
The SickWeather App's Social Health Network Warns Users of Sickness
41
Deep-Sea Adventure Apps
The iGills Smart Diving System Will Take You Under the Ocean
40
Personalized Travel Apps
Momondo is a Personalized iPad Travel App
39
Built-In Auto Tablets
The Audi Android In-Car Tablet Was Revealed at 2014 CES
38
Fantastical Journey Apps
'Sir Benfro's Brilliant Balloon' Takes You to the Center of Imagination
37
Geographical Information Apps
The Updated Google Earth Mobile Edition Features Custom Maps
36
Pub-Hopping Apps
Use the barHappy App to Find Alcohol-Filled Adventures
35
Social Dog Owner Apps
The Dogsquare Dog App Connects Pet Owners and Tracks a Dog's Health
34
Geo-Tagged Snack Campaigns
Clif Bar 'MojoGo' Initiative Rewards Twitter Users Who are Outdoors
33
Handy Travel Hotspots
The Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE Lets You Access Your Email from 205 Countries
32
Augmented Reality GPS Apps
Wikitude Drive Displays Live Video of where you're Going
31
Wandering Adventurer Apps
The Crowsflight App Shows You the Way with a Direction Instead of a Map
30
Penguin-Guided Navigation Apps
The 'Follow the Penguin' App Guides People to the Sunshine Aquarium
29
Indoor Navigation Apps
The Inside App Makes Directories a Thing of the Past
28
Pizza-Hunting Apps
‘Pizza Compass’ App Leads You to the Perfect Slice of Pizza
27
Crowdsourced City Scrapbooks
The WhatWasThere App Lets You Share and View Historical City Shots
26
GPS Music Festival Apps
Fezzee is a One-Time Stop for the Active Music Festival-Goer
25
3D-Infused Maps
Google Earth 3D for Mobile Gives Users a Full Topography View
24
Topographic Portrait Apps
Geo-Tag Your Pictures Around the Globe With the Snapr iPhone App
23
Travel-Tracking Diary Apps
This Travel App Records and Keeps Tracks of Your Daily Life
22
Sci-Fi Exploration Apps
The Highest Frontier App Will Transport You to a Fictitious Space Colony
21
Immersive Cinematic Travel Apps
The Cinemacity App Overlays Cinema with the World Around You
20
Parking Reservation Apps
BMW ParkNow Allows Users to Secure a Parking Spot in Advance
19
Augmented Reality Maps
The AR-MAPS App Works Can Detect Current Locations with a Simple Point
18
Tiny Parking Space Apps
The Smart Spots App Locates Compact Spots Perfect for Smart Car Parking
17
Augmented Reality Navigation Apps
The HUDWAY App Makes Driving in Bad Weather Safer
16
Nostalgic Time-Travelling Apps
The Timehop App Makes a Social Media Time Capsule of Yourself
15
Filtered Photography Mapping Tools
The ‘Instagram 3.0’ Software Update Offers Advanced
14
Business Tycoon Tour Apps
Virgin Atlantic London City Guide Includes Richard Branson's Top Places
13
Intuitive Urban Routing Apps
Google Maps for iPhone Returns to the Delight of Diligent Users
12
Verbal Navigation Bike Gadgets
The CycleNav Launched at CES 2014 & Will Revolutionize Your Biking
11
Bidding Taxi Apps
The Didi Dache App Lets Users Bid for Fast Taxi Service
10
Crash-Preventing Droid Docks
The Aura Smartphone Car Dock Makes Using Your Phone on the Road Safer
9
Tour-Guiding Mobile Apps
Replace a Tour Guide or Handbook with the Urbanwonderer Tour-Guiding App
8
Entertaining Road Travel Apps
Roadtrippers Provides Directions Based on Most Interesting Route
7
Economical Adventurer Sim Cards
The 'DOODAD' SIM Card Gives You Cheap Data Rates Worldwide
6
Minimal Android Maps
Never Get Lost Again with the Updated Map App for Android
5
Informational Queue Apps
The WaitBot App Aims to Reduce Your Time in Line
4
Map-Able Blueprints
The Google Maps Floorprint Ability in the UK is Astonishing
3
Phone OS Stereo Systems
Swiftkey Announces the AX1 Android-Powered Car Stereo System at CES 2014
2
Quirky Tourist Attraction Apps
Roadside America Connects You to Hidden Gems
1
Office-Finding Apps
The Liquidspace App Helps Mobile Workers Find Homes
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AR Retail Kiosks
BIG Digital and DeepAR Bring Mobile & Desktop Try-Ons to Store Settings
AI Healthy Living Assistants
Hungryroot's SmartCart Simplifies Shopping and Meal Planning
Groundbreaking AR Posters
Wall's Out-of-Home Ads Make AR Experiences Unmissable with WinDOOH Tech
Lego-Centric Apps
The 'Brick My World' App Turns Reality into LEGO Creations
Regional Travel Apps
Freedomverse & Tourism Authority of Thailand Debut the Freedom World App
In-App Retail Expansions
Garmin Allows You to Buy Apps & Watch Faces Through the Connect IQ Store
Niche Search Engine Tools
Global Explorer Helps Users Discover and Dive Deeper into Topics
Interactive VR Styling Apps
'J.Crew' Launched a Closet Management and Shopping App for Vision Pro
Personalized Customer Service Tools
Walmart Launched 'Wallaby' Powered by Generative AI
AI-Powered Restaurant Recommendations
Google Maps Now Uses AI to Recommend New Food Places
Vacuum-Tracking AR Apps
This App Detects Areas Of the Floor That Were Missed During Vacuuming
Hand-Worn Athlete Smart Displays
The 'zIng' Hand-Worn Smart Display by Anuj Pate is Intuitive
AI-Powered Shopping Tools
Google AI Now Allows Shoppers to Browse AI Product Recommendations
Accessibility-Focused Nature Trail Apps
Able Active Helps Users Find Accessible Trails & Amenities
Classroom-Ready AR Eyewear
The Adventure Whale AR Glasses by SHS Shih are Child-Focused
In-App Travel Offerings
Expedia Group Utilizes AI to Curate Summaries and Trip Details
AI-Powered Travel Companions
The Wanderboat AI Platform Provides Personalized Travel Guidance
Multimodal AI Browser Models
Google Releases Project Mariner for Automated Web Surfing
Luxury Spatial Computing Apps
Balenciaga Rolled Out a Storefront App for the Apple Vision Pro
Shoe Retailer AI Apps
SuperStep Partnered with 'IMSHOP' to Create a Convenient Mobile App
AI-Powered Travel Assistants
Instahop Creates Personalized Digital Itineraries
AI Retail Wearables
Augmodo SmartBadges Track Tasks and Inventory in Real Time
Mixed-Reality Wellness Apps
Alo Moves XR Creates Immersive Fitness Experiences on Meta Quest 3
Personalized Ecommerce Updates
Google Shopping Introduces a 'For You' Feed for its Ecommerce App
Senior-Targeted Wearable Devices
Lifeline Canada Debuts 'On The Go with Wandering'
AI-Enhanced Grocery Apps
Instacart Unveiled a Suite of AI Features Coming to its Mobile App
Mixed-Reality Makeup Apps
e.l.f. Cosmetics Launches a New Shopping App for the Apple Vision Pro
AI-Powered News Apps
The 'Particle' App Uses AI to Organize and Summarize Articles
Driving App Enhancements
Waze Voice Feature Update Enhances Hands-Free Driving Safety
Immersive VR Shopping Apps
Mytheresa Worked with Obsess on New Apple Vision Pro App
Adventure-Ready AR Wines
Bandit Wines' Packs Invite Adults to Virtually Explore National Parks
AI Travel Planners
Travel Wiz Creates Personalized Travel Itineraries in Minutes
AI-Powered Storytelling Travel Apps
Journi is an App for Tour Guides to Share Exciting Narratives
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
Enlightening Travel Apps
Herodot AI Turns Sightseeing Into Something More Substantial
Audio Guide Tourism Apps
Tourly Uses AI and Audio to Make Every Landmark Speak
Spatial Computing Shopping Apps
'Alo Yoga' Debuted a New App for the Apple Vision Pro
Holographic Health Concierges
Immertia Created an AR Assistant for One A Day's Packaging
Route-Making Running Apps
FitCrumbs Lets Users Make Their Own Running Routes
AI Note-Taking Apps
PowerNotes Remembers The Things you're Likely to Forget
Daily Motivation Apps
'Motivation' is an Empowering App Helping People Make the Most of Their Days
AI Travel Exploration Apps
ExploreSoul.AI Creates Instant and Custom Travel Itineraries
AI Self-Improvement Apps
LeapLife Uses Journaling and Other Features to Reduce Stress
Optimized Driving Route Tools
Routora Promises to Reduce Drive Time by 30%
Mindful Smartphone Usage Apps
The 'Intenty' App Prompts Users to Rethink How They Use Their Phone
Accessibility-Focused Navigation Apps
The Atlas App is a Community-Driven Solution
Gamified Workout Apps
'Workout Quest' Merges Workout Data with AI and Technology
AR Watch Try-Ons
Perfect Corp. and TIMEZ Created a Digital Experience for Luxury Watch Shopping
AI-Powered Trip Planners
Guide Uses AI to Help with Hotel Selection, Itineraries, and More
Personalized Guided Audio Tours
WeGoTrip Slows Travel Down with Personalized Audio Guides
Digital Map AI Enhancements
Google Maps Update Brings AI-Powered Exploration Tools
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
Immersive EdTech Platforms
Discovery Education's Sandbox AR Platform Surpassed 1 Million Downloads
Expansive AI Dictionaries
Latest AI Tools Holds All-Things AI in One Convenient Place
Waste-Minimizing Food Apps
"Oh, a Potato" Suggests Meal Ideas Based on Inventory
Cohesive App Interfaces
Native AI Eliminates the Need for Constant Context Switching Between Apps
Accessible Subway QR Codes
Colorful QR Codes in New York's Subways Will Help People Navigate
Virtual Direction Guides
Online Compass Lets You Navigate Digitally from a Browser
Imaginative Shopping Platforms
Walmart Realm Shares Influencer-Curated Shopping Environments
Rewarding AI Shopping Apps
The ShopUp App Revolutionizes In-Store Shopping with AI Data
AI Vehicle App Features
Volkswagen Integrates Generative AI into Its myVW Mobile App
Experience-Logging Travel Apps
Reis Log Helps Individuals Log Journeys for a Better Trip
Gamified Shopping Carts
Instacart Unveils New Updates to its Smart Shopping Carts
Comprehensive Math-Learning Experiences
Math Learner Uses Games to Make Math Fun for Young Kids
AI-Powered Design Apps
Adobe Launches an AI-Powered Mobile App Called Adobe Express
AI Plant Care Apps
HomeGardenAI Enhances the Health of Indoor Plants & Home Gardens
Mixed-Reality Skateboarding Apps
Skatrix Pro Turns Interior Spaces into Virtual Skate Parks
Smart Personal Assistants
24me X Uses AI to Help Users Sort Their Days
AR Home Decor Apps
Auki Labs' 'McKenna' Uses Spatial Computing to Simulate Physical Places
Regional Eclipse Guidance Apps
The Eclipse App Was Created with the Planetary Society and Bill Nye
Comprehensive Travel Navigation Apps
Destination App Integrates Information from Over 800 Sources
Customized Convenience Retailer Apps
Family Express is Introducing a Personalized App Experience
Mobile Escape Rooms
Phone Escape: Hopeless Takes Mobile Entertainment to New Dimensions
AI Road Trip Planners
Huuk Describes Itself as "Canva for Road Trip Travelers"
Screenshot-Organizing Apps
Camp is a Screenshot Organizer That Leverages AI for Powerful Results
Navigational Grocery Store Apps
Speed Grocer is a Trusted Companion for a Quicker Shop
AI-Powered Search Engine Features
Google Presents its New Circle to Search Feature
Interactive Quiet-Locating Maps
Quiet Places Finder Helps People Locate Calm in the Big City
Motivational Push-Up Apps
Pushup Quest Makes Push-Ups More Engaging
Car-Identifying Apps
Scout Helps Enthusiasts Identify a Vehicle
Detailed Travel-Planning Apps
80days.me Will Design a European Adventure in Minutes
AI Africa-Based Travel Apps
The Akwaaba App Provides Insights and Boasts Sustainable Travel
AI City Travel Planners
Travelicious is an AI Travel Planner Specifically for Cities
Screen-Free Wandering Navigation
TERRA is a Pocket-sized Compass That Supports Mindful Wandering
All-in-One Productivity Apps
Evo Brands Itself as 'The Everything App'
Adventure-Focused Social Platforms
Outside Debuts an All-In-One Experience for Outdoor Enthusiasts
AI Storytelling Apps
The Storyteller Offers an Endless Supply of AI-Written Stories
Immersive Language-Learning Apps
Travel Echo Helps Travelers Engage With Locals Abroad
AR E-Scooter Parking Apps
Neuron Mobility Recently Unveiled a New AR Parking Assistant App
AI-Powered Optimized Work Structures
Microsoft Places Finds the Best Time to Go into the Office
Mobile Content Creator Apps
Microsoft Brought its 'Designer' Copilot App to Android
Travel Journal Apps
Avare Lets You Create and Customize Locations on an Interactive Map
Activity-Monitoring Sports Apps
Strava Heatmaps Offer Athletes Insights into Populated Areas
Immersive Rowing Apps
The Aviron App Makes Rowing Accessible to a Wider Audience
Gesture-Controlled Apps
Spatial Touch Lets Users Navigate Tech With Their Fingers
Real-Time Subway Map Apps
The Weekendest Offers a Comprehensive View of the NYC Subway System
Personalized AI Travel Guides
Hermeso Will Give You Local Suggestions Based on Your Wants
AR 3D Model Apps
Arrea is an AR app for iPhone That Lets Users Explore Augmented Reality
Comprehensive AI Trip Planners
TravelPal Recommends Activities, Walking Routes, Dinners, and More
Accessibile Zoo Experiences
Tallinn Zoo Has Launched a Pilot Project Using the NaviLens App
Interactive Image Mapping
Image Mapping Lets Businesses Create Designs Seamlessly
Creativity-Supporting Art Apps
The 'Blank' App Uses AI to Create Custom Art Based on Prompts
AI-Powered Global Facts
GeoFacts Helps Users Explore the World One Click at a Time
Emotional Awareness Apps
Crown Institute Debuts an Emotional Learning App Inspired by Inside Out
AI Personal Introspection Apps
Deepwander Uses AI To Help People Identify Patterns and Insights
AI Travel Planners
Chonki.ai Lets Users Browse Curated Travel Experiences from Experts
AI Trip Planners
Explra Creates Custom Travel Itineraries Effortlessly with AI Guidance
Updated Map-Navigation Apps
The Waze App is Implementing a Slew of New Updated Features
Doodling Mental Health Apps
The 'Scribble Journey' App Encourages Art to Explore Emotions
Theme Park Line Assessments
AllTheLines Uses AI to Optimize the Visitor Experience at Theme Parks
Social Trip-Planning Apps
TripMap Makes Trip Planning Easier with Expense Tracking and More
AI Map-Making Tools
MapStory is Perfect for Bloggers or Adventurers to Create Interactive Maps
Handy Roadtrip Weather Apps
The 'Wayther' App Helps Travelers Take Weather into Account
Personal Goal-Setting Apps
Fred Breaks Down Goals Into Actionable Steps
Personalized AI Career Roadmaps
Career Recipes by Adaptiv Help Those Navigating Career Challenges
Seamless Automotive Shopping Apps
Awin Group of Dealerships Launches Mobile App to Enhance CX
Centralized AI Workplace Searches
Findr Helps Users Search Through All Their Apps at Once
Empowering AR Applications
Black Radiance is Unveiling a New Augmented Reality App for Black Women
Community-Driven Mapping System
NNG Has Introduced a New Navigation Solution Called NNG Maps
AR-Enabled Illumination Apps
The Philips Hue App Now Uses LiDAR to Provide an AR Preview
Goal-Oriented Health Apps
The 'Bright' App Offers a Holistic View of One's Health
Curated Flight Deal Apps
The Going App Offers Expert and Personalized Travel Deals
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
AI-Powered Local Recommendations
Epic Fusion Connects You to Your Ideal Local Spots Effortlessly
Parental Guidance Shopping Apps
The 'Auggie' App Connects Experienced Parents to New Ones
QR Backyard Scavenger Hunts
Backyard Hunt is a Mobile Scavenger Hunt for The Family
Chatbot-Integrated Browser Apps
The 'Arc Search' iOS App Offers Customized Search Outputs
Restaurant Discovery Websites
Find Me a Restaurant Will Help You Pick Where to Eat
Phone Puzzle Games
Word Search Game Offers Mental Stimulation with Word-Based Challenges
AI Travel Guide Apps
DocentPro Offers Insights and Stories of Nearby Attractions and Sites
Interactive Mapping Solutions
Mapplic Turns Static Images Into Engaging Maps
Public Bathroom Location Apps
The Bathroom App Helps People in Need of Relief
AR Ruler Apps
This App Uses AR to Measure Any Distance with One's Phone
Digitized Travel Wishlists
Wish2Go Let's Users Save Locations to Bring Travel Dreams to Life
Engagement-Boosting Marketing Apps
LOCALACT Unveils the LOCALACT Mobile Marketing Application
Personalized Map Markers
MiniMap Radar Let's Users Mark Favorite Spots with Personalized Icons
No-Network Dependent Browsing Tools
Google Unveils the More Helpful Suggestions Feature
Photo-Sharing Memory Maps
MemoryMaps Maps Out Photos for Added Visual Appeal
Advanced Navigation Apps
Compass: Direction Finder Ensures You Never Lose Your Way
Waterway-Tracking Travel Apps
Kreuzungen Helps You Identify The Rivers You Crossed on Your Journey