Satellite Navigation to Aid Blind

The European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully demonstrated a prototype of its satellite navigation system for use by visually-impaired persons.

The demonstration, held in Madrid, featured a blind man guided a guide dog walking along the streets while wearing specially-equipped headphones. The headphones gave him directions to his destination.

By using a mobile phone combined with a position receiver and a voice synthesizer, a visually-impaired person can walk through the city while being guided by satellite.

This system is not intended to replace a white cane or a guide dog, it simply offers an "audible map" to guide the visually-impaired person to their destination, reducing dependence on other pedestrians for directions.