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
Related Ideas
Connected Fish Locators
The Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra Fish Finder Has an Advanced Construction
Impairment-Aiding Navigation Apps
The Commute Booster App is Made to Help the Visually Impaired
Augmented Reality Travel Murals
Tripadvisor's City Murals Entice People to Sunny San Diego
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
Interactive Travel Map Apps
The 'Proxi' Travel App Offers Curated Travel Plans and More
Vacuum-Tracking AR Apps
This App Detects Areas Of the Floor That Were Missed During Vacuuming
AI-Powered Shopping Tools
Google AI Now Allows Shoppers to Browse AI Product Recommendations
AI-Powered Fashion Apps
The 'Blend' App Helps Users Find Products That Suit Their Style and Budget
Classroom-Ready AR Eyewear
The Adventure Whale AR Glasses by SHS Shih are Child-Focused
Hand-Worn Athlete Smart Displays
The 'zIng' Hand-Worn Smart Display by Anuj Pate is Intuitive
Playful AI Travel Planner
Triplay is the Brainchild of Technology and Travel Enthusiasts
Shoe Retailer AI Apps
SuperStep Partnered with 'IMSHOP' to Create a Convenient Mobile App
AI Travel Campaigns
Away's Extraordinary Is Out There Uses AI to Show Real-World Destinations
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Aftermarket Automotive Navigation Displays
The Garmin Drive 53 GPS Navigator is Feature-Rich
AI Travel Exploration Apps
ExploreSoul.AI Creates Instant and Custom Travel Itineraries
Augmented Reality Stores
Zero10 is Debuting Its AR Store Prototype at Viva Technology in Paris
Magazine-Integrated QR Features
ARCADE Launches the ELLE x Clarks Shoe Visualiser and Experience
AI Avatar Dating Apps
The Snack App Allow Users to Turn Themselves into an AI Version
Historic Fashion Try-Ons
The Design Museum's London Fashion Exhibition Integrates AR Mirrors
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
Lifestyle Activity Tracking Apps
The 'Timeline It' App Tracks Virtually Any Activity or Event
AI Travel Planners
Travel Wiz Creates Personalized Travel Itineraries in Minutes
Augmented Outerwear Mirrors
Ugg's Flagship Highlights Cold Weather Apparel with a Zero10 Mirror
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
AI Journaling Applications
Microsoft's 'Journal' Uses AI to Enhance Notetaking and Reflection
Adventure-Ready AR Wines
Bandit Wines' Packs Invite Adults to Virtually Explore National Parks
Spatial Computing Shopping Apps
'Alo Yoga' Debuted a New App for the Apple Vision Pro
AR Piano Previews
Roland AR Helps Shoppers Find the Right Piano with Augmented Reality
AI-Powered Travel Itinerary Platforms
The 'Travelmoji' AI Travel Planner Makes Use of ChatGPT
AI-Enhanced Map Apps
The Satlas AI Application Uses Deep Learning to Clarify Visuals on Maps
Route-Making Running Apps
FitCrumbs Lets Users Make Their Own Running Routes
Personalized Brain-Training Apps
Elevate Helps Boost Productivity and Builds Confidence
Inclusive Digital Platform Experiences
Google Launches More Inclusive Assistance to its Platforms
AI Self-Improvement Apps
LeapLife Uses Journaling and Other Features to Reduce Stress
AI Note-Taking Apps
PowerNotes Remembers The Things you're Likely to Forget
Dedicated Chatbot Apps
The Android Version Of Microsoft's 'Copilot' Offers Versatile Tools
Daily Motivation Apps
'Motivation' is an Empowering App Helping People Make the Most of Their Days
Mobile Internet Interfaces
The Arc Mobile Browser Seeks to Redefine how Mobile Navigation Flows
Smart 3D Home Maps
SamSung's Map View Creates a Seamless Smart Home Ecosystem
Immersive Holographic Zoos
Hologram Zoo Lets Visitors Interact with Animals Like Never Before
Housewares Retailer Design Apps
The Wayfair Decorify App Digitally Transforms Spaces for Shopping
AI-Powered DIY Home Apps
Praxis Introduces New Features to Its Praxis Plus App
AR-Powered Furniture Lenses
Google Search Now Supports AR-Based Ikea Furniture Try Outs
Expansive AI Dictionaries
Latest AI Tools Holds All-Things AI in One Convenient Place
Hyper-Personalized Wellness Apps
28 Seeks to Empower Women on Their Wellness Journey
AI-Powered Trip Planners
Guide Uses AI to Help with Hotel Selection, Itineraries, and More
Virtual Reality Design Apps
'Live Home 3D' from BeLight Software Uses VR for Home Renovations
Personalized Guided Audio Tours
WeGoTrip Slows Travel Down with Personalized Audio Guides
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
AR Infrastructure Lenses
This Augmented Reality Lens Reveals Innovation Everywhere in NYC
Accessible Subway QR Codes
Colorful QR Codes in New York's Subways Will Help People Navigate
AR-Fueled Musical Camera Apps
Minibeats by Artiphon Allows Users to Transform Their Movements
AR Furniture Testing Features
Pinterest Lets Users View Virtual Furniture in their Homes
Private App-Based Journals
Apple Launches a New Journal App for iPhone Users to Positively Reflect
AI-Powered Design Apps
Adobe Launches an AI-Powered Mobile App Called Adobe Express
Feature-Rich Airport Apps
The 'byAir' App Offers Indoor Maps, Transport Options and More
Smart Personal Assistants
24me X Uses AI to Help Users Sort Their Days
Comprehensive Math-Learning Experiences
Math Learner Uses Games to Make Math Fun for Young Kids
Interactive Gaming Clogs
These Special Crocs Can Be Scanned for an Exclusive Gaming Experience
Non-Alcoholic Discovery Apps
The NA Drink Locator App Maps Alcohol-Free Options
Regional Eclipse Guidance Apps
The Eclipse App Was Created with the Planetary Society and Bill Nye
Park-Navigating Map Updates
Google is Now Offering Expanded Information On U.S. National Parks
Car-Free AR Lenses
Bolt's Feels Like Home Campaign Uses AR to Envision Car-Free Spaces
Customized Convenience Retailer Apps
Family Express is Introducing a Personalized App Experience
Social City Exploration Apps
The 'Geometrik' App Connects Citizens and Businesses Together
Navigational Grocery Store Apps
Speed Grocer is a Trusted Companion for a Quicker Shop
Screenshot-Organizing Apps
Camp is a Screenshot Organizer That Leverages AI for Powerful Results
Screen-Free Wandering Navigation
TERRA is a Pocket-sized Compass That Supports Mindful Wandering
AI-Powered Socialization Apps
The 'BU' App Takes an AI-Driven Approach to Event Planning
AR Pizza Menus
Hungry Howie's Uses AR to Promote a Secret Pizza Menu
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
Engaging Political Update Apps
The 'GovSide' App Encourages Citizens to Get Involved
Car-Identifying Apps
Scout Helps Enthusiasts Identify a Vehicle
Detailed Travel-Planning Apps
80days.me Will Design a European Adventure in Minutes
AR Apartment Platforms
3D Apartment Lets Home Hunters Virtually View Their Furniture in a New Home
Authenticated Product Review Apps
This App Matchers Shoppers With Brands Looking For Reviews
AI City Travel Planners
Travelicious is an AI Travel Planner Specifically for Cities
All-in-One Productivity Apps
Evo Brands Itself as 'The Everything App'
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 Africa-Based Travel Apps
The Akwaaba App Provides Insights and Boasts Sustainable Travel
AI-Powered News Summary Apps
The 'Concise AI' News App Provides Summaries of Pertinent Topics
Gesture-Controlled Apps
Spatial Touch Lets Users Navigate Tech With Their Fingers
App-Navigating Indoor Safety Cameras
Google Adds its Indoor Nest Cameras Online on the Home App
Workspace Navigation Features
Google Released the 'Enhanced Tool Finder' for Google Doc Apps
Personalized AI Travel Guides
Hermeso Will Give You Local Suggestions Based on Your Wants
Religious AI Mobile Apps
The MetaMosque App Leverages Artificial Intelligence
Solo Traveler Planning Apps
The ffaroh. App Connects Travelers to Others When Exploring Alone
Brand-Specific Trail-Finding Apps
Ford Unveils the Bronco Trail App for iOS and Android Devices
3D AR Home Improvement Apps
'Roomle' Integrates Home Furniture Services in its AR App
Comprehensive AI Trip Planners
TravelPal Recommends Activities, Walking Routes, Dinners, and More
Emotional Awareness Apps
Crown Institute Debuts an Emotional Learning App Inspired by Inside Out
AI Travel Planners
Chonki.ai Lets Users Browse Curated Travel Experiences from Experts
AI-Assisted Car Shopping Apps
The CoPilot App Eliminates Barriers in Digital Car Shopping
Pocket Concierge Apps
The Scene Matches Users to Restaurants, Bars, Clubs & Cafes
Nature Exploration Apps
Natural Altas Combines a Naturalist Field Guide with GPS Mapping Software
AI Navigation Upgrades
Tmap Mobility Launches an AI-Powered Revamp for its Navigation App
AI ABC Games
ABC Finder Uses AI to Teach Children Foundational Knowledge
Photo-Organizing Apps
Journeys Simplifies the Process of Organizing One's Photos
Updated Map-Navigation Apps
The Waze App is Implementing a Slew of New Updated Features
AR-Powered Shopping Apps
Walmart Releases a New Augmented Reality Feature for its iOS Application
Social Trip-Planning Apps
TripMap Makes Trip Planning Easier with Expense Tracking and More
Creativity-Supporting Art Apps
The 'Blank' App Uses AI to Create Custom Art Based on Prompts
AI-Powered Autonomous Applications
The Microsoft 365 Copilot Functions on AI Technology
Airport-Navigation App Updates
The Latest Uber Updates Make Planning Travel More Streamlined
US National Park Navigations
Google Maps is Updating Its Features to Navigate National Parks
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
Zoo AR Experiences
The Cincinnati Zoo and Discover Crystal River Florida Launch an AR Experience
Smart Life-Planning Apps
Last Plannr is More Than a Traditional To-Do List
Centralized AI Workplace Searches
Findr Helps Users Search Through All Their Apps at Once
Personal Goal-Setting Apps
Fred Breaks Down Goals Into Actionable Steps
Astrologically-Influenced Driving Modes
Waze Adds New Personalized Options to Customize Your Drive
AR-Powered Architecture Apps
'PLNAR' Helps Users Plan Home Development with AR Augmentation
Video-Generating GPS Apps
Strava Launches Flyover, an Aerial 3D Video Recap of GPS Activities
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Curated Flight Deal Apps
The Going App Offers Expert and Personalized Travel Deals
AI Map-Making Tools
MapStory is Perfect for Bloggers or Adventurers to Create Interactive Maps
Chatbot-Integrated Browser Apps
The 'Arc Search' iOS App Offers Customized Search Outputs
Relaxed Interactive Mobile Games
Nintendo and Niantic Join Forces on the Pikmin Finder Game
Comprehensive Privacy Smartphones
The 'Cosmic Phone Lvl50' Quarantines Unsafe Apps
Augmented Reality Microscope Prototypes
Google Prototypes an ARM with the Department of Defense
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
AR Ruler Apps
This App Uses AR to Measure Any Distance with One's Phone
AR Menu Apps
Jarit is an Ar App That Allows Users to Preview Their Potential Food Orders in 3D
Charger-Locating GPS Features
Waze's Route Plans Will Now Show Electric Vehicle Charger Locations
Content-Focused Map Features
TuneIn Launches an Immersive Map Feature for Global Content Searches
Pathfinding Algorithm Websites
Map Pathfinding Visualizer Provides a Visual for a Path Algorithms
Personalized Map Markers
MiniMap Radar Let's Users Mark Favorite Spots with Personalized Icons
App-Assistive Concert Discoveries
Apple Added Concert Discovery Features to Its Music and Maps
Photo-Sharing Memory Maps
MemoryMaps Maps Out Photos for Added Visual Appeal