In an era of rapid digital transformation, efficient navigation within large educational campuses is becoming increasingly important.
Universities, with their extensive layouts and numerous facilities, often struggle with navigation issues that impede the daily lives of students, faculty, and visitors. Common directional assistance through physical promotional signage and static maps usually leads to confusion, delays, and dissatisfaction.
Navigine offers a campus navigation solution through its Navigine SDK, which can be integrated into the university's existing mobile application. This integration enables real-time, interactive indoor mapping and navigation, designed to enhance access and simplify campus navigation for students, faculty, and visitors. Utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, the system precisely locates users within buildings on campus, facilitating step-by-step navigation, route optimization, and location-based notifications.
About the Client
- Region: Netherlands
- Industry: Higher Education
- Area of Coverage: Approximately 200,000 square meters
- Implemented Solutions:
- Navigine Indoor Navigation SDK integrated into the existing university mobile application
- Bluetooth© Low Energy (BLE) Beacons strategically positioned indoors GPS Navigation for outdoor environments
- Seamless interoperability between BLE and GPS, ensuring uninterrupted campus navigation
Implementation Results
After implementing Navigine’s indoor-outdoor campus navigation solution into the university's app, the following improvements were achieved:
- 45% fewer navigation-related questions at information desks within three months due to increased app use.
- 30% higher student satisfaction scores relate to navigation ease and app usability.
- Facility usage increased by 25%, including higher attendance at events and better use of study areas, thanks to clear directions provided through the app.
- Improved accessibility and inclusivity, especially beneficial for students and staff with disabilities.
- Campus safety improved significantly, with emergency response times decreasing by around 20%, thanks to real-time location data and instant alerts via the app.
The Problem
University campuses are often vast and complex, making navigation a tedious task. The conventional methods of finding one's way, such as using printed maps, direction signs, and help desks, do not meet the needs of the modern-day student, who increasingly desires digital, interactive solutions.
Common problems include:
- New students and visitors often get lost, leading to frustration and delays.
- It may take time to locate key areas such as lecture halls, offices, laboratories, dining halls, and event spaces.
- Campus resources are underutilized; some facilities are crowded, while others remain vacant simply because directions are unclear.
- Staff are spending far too long providing directions rather than fulfilling their primary tasks.
- Safety risks arise from delayed emergency responses due to the absence of precise, real-time location data.
These challenges negatively impact campus experience, efficiency, safety, and inclusivity.
The Goals of the Solution
- Offer accurate, real-time navigation directly within the university’s mobile app.
- Improve campus experience by making navigation easy and intuitive for everyone.
- Enhance the use of campus facilities by providing clearer directions and real-time updates.
- Enhance safety by providing real-time alerts and precise location data during emergencies.
- Reduce reliance on physical signage and help desks by centralizing all navigation information within the mobile app.
The Solution Offered
Navigine implemented a comprehensive indoor-outdoor campus navigation system uniquely suited for complex university environments:
- Integration with University Mobile Application: Navigine's powerful Indoor Navigation SDK was seamlessly integrated into the university's existing mobile application, enhancing its functionality without requiring students or staff to download additional apps.
- Installation of BLE Beacons: BLE beacons were strategically installed throughout campus buildings to provide precise indoor navigation, while GPS technology ensured seamless transitions and continuous outdoor navigation.
- Seamless Technology Interoperability: Navigine’s technology automatically switches between BLE and GPS, delivering uninterrupted navigation. Indoors, BLE ensures accurate location tracking down to 5-7 meters, while GPS offers broad coverage outdoors, creating an integrated navigation experience.
- Why Navigine? Navigine was chosen over alternative solutions due to its superior reliability, ease of integration, scalability, and ability to smoothly handle the indoor-to-outdoor transition, offering uninterrupted navigation regardless of location complexity or size.
Results
The integration of Navigine into the university app dramatically improved campus navigation:
- Users now easily find facilities using clear app-based directions, improving satisfaction and reducing stress.
- More efficient use of campus spaces, with higher participation in events and better facility usage.
- Increased safety, thanks to quicker emergency response times using real-time location data from the app.
This successful case demonstrates Navigine’s technology as a robust, reliable, and beneficial investment for universities seeking to modernize and streamline campus navigation.
Inclusivity Added Features
(Disclaimer: The following inclusivity features are additional options not included in this specific use case but can be implemented upon request by any university interested in enhancing accessibility.)
Inclusivity is indispensable in modern universities. About 19% of students worldwide have a disability or any other special accessibility needs, making it all too difficult for them to move within buildings. Navigine helps overcome these obstacles with modified campus navigation app features intended for the physically disabled:
- Personalized Routes - Automatic generation of navigation paths without stairs, obstacles, etc.
- Accessibility Indicators - Clear indications along ramps, elevators, and accessible entrances.
- Live Updates - Instantaneous notifications for temporary obstructions or changes in access.
- Emergency Assistance - Quick access to emergency services with accurate location details.
These inclusive features will not only enhance campus navigation for students and staff with disabilities but also enhance the university's reputation as an institution committed to diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity.
Discover how Navigine can revolutionize university campus navigation. Contact our specialists today for a personalized consultation or demonstration tailored to your university’s unique needs.
