Regardless of your stance on a possible robot uprising in the future, these navigation tools demonstrate how technology knowing our exact location is a positive. For those with a poor sense of direction, Google Maps and similar innovations have proven themselves life-saving time and time again. Tech like beacons and GPS tracking now know not just where you are, but can often predict where you will be going as well.
Beacon technology might be primarily used in retail, but increasingly it is finding applications in navigation, in airports and train stations for example. There is no shortage of GPS utilization, including smart suitcases, drunk friend-tracking apps and child-locating footwear. Augmented reality is also being used for navigational purposes, as seen with augmented reality maps.
82 Innovative Navigation Tools
81
Innovative Navigation Cams
The Travelling Companion Panorama Camera is Optimal Tourist Technology
80
Earth-Encompassed Timepieces
The Seiko Astron Stratosphere Watch Adjusts Automatically
79
Activity-Synced Chronographs
Wave Smart Watch Interprets Circumstances to Provide Relevant Info
78
Luggage-Tracking Tags
CalypsoTag Combines Designer Style with Luggage GPS Capabilities
77
Wearable Smart Necklaces
The Epic Mini is a Necklace That Replaces Your Smartphone
76
High-Tech GPS Lifejackets
These Lifejackets Could Help Prevent Fatalities in a Sea Disaster
75
Child-Locating Footwear
The Colorful Chip-Embedded GPS Shoes Help Parents Keep Track of Their Kids
74
Search Engine-Mapped Goals
Google Zietgeist Resolutions Unites the World and Encourages Progress
73
Custom Shopping Map Apps
ParknShop x Beacon Technology is a Useful Shopping App Concept
72
Blind-Aiding Sneakers (UPDATE)
The Le Chal Shoes Use GPS & Vibrations to Guide the Impaired
71
Path-Finding Timepieces
The Navigo is a Tactile Bracelet That Vibrates to Act as a Navigotor
70
Restaurant Deal-Digging Apps
The SimpleDeal App Uses GPS to Inform Users About Restaurant Deals
69
Astronomical Map Apps
The Spyglass App Lets Users Navigate by the Stars
68
Futuristic Windshield Displays
The Continental AR-HUD System Displays Information on Windshields
67
Children-Tracking GPS Services
Trax Lets Parents Track Pets and Children Wherever They Go
66
Party-Locating Social Apps
This Travel App Helps You Find Residents Partying in Amsterdam
65
Nifty Nautical Naviators
The Sailing GPS Uses Bluetooth Wind Monitoring to Plot Courses
64
Non-Invasive Navigational Equipment
The JVC Kenwood HUD Nav System Doesn't Distract the Driver
63
3D Printed Online Maps
GSI is Developing Software for Blind People to Print Out Tactile Maps
62
Sporty Navigational Timepieces
The TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch Tracks, Times and Directs Athletes
61
GPS-Tracking Umbrellas
The Blunt XS Metro + Tile Ensures People Never Lose an Umbrella Again
60
Food Mapping Apps
The Foodmento Food Finder App Catalogs a City's Best Dishes with Photos
59
Precise Efficient Transit Apps
Ototo Unveils the Precise Transit App to Get You There on Time
58
Magnified Search Engines
QWER.RE is a Service for the Visually Impaired
57
Notification-Providing Wigs
Sony's SmartWig is a Smartphone Lodged in Your Hair
56
Smartphone-Controlled Scooters
This Smart Scooter Takes Commands of Your iPhone
55
Wave-Tracking Watches
The Search GPS Watch Helps Surfers Stay on Track
54
Drunk Friend-Tracking Apps
Buddy Check Makes Sure You Don't Lose Anyone During a Wild Night Out
53
Crowdsourced Custom Trucks
The Nissan Project Titan Truck is a Rugged, Military-Style Vehicle
52
Projection Car Displays
The Garmin Heads-Up Display Projects GPS to Your Windshield
51
Pet GPS Trackers
'G-Paws' Introduces Pet GPS to Track All the Movements of Your Pet
50
GPS Footwear Lines
The Feel Your Way SuperShoe Directs Users Via Smartphone Technology
49
Data Driven Cyclist Apps
WeCycle Aims to Make Safer Cycling Happen in London By Tracking Journeys
48
Tactile Navigation Cell Accessories
Blind Maps Creates a Braille-Like Surface to Guide its User
47
Predictive Ordering Apps
The Square Order App Improves User Experience
46
Augmented Reality Pilot Displays
'Aero Glass' Helps Pilots Keep Their Eyes on the Skies
45
Beacon Airport Navigation
The indoo.rs Indoor Navigation at SFO Helps Blind Travelers Get Around
44
Drone Footage Maps
TravelByDrone Uses Crowdsourced Drone-Captured Videos for Virtual Tourism
43
Roadtrip-Ameliorating Apps
The Alongways Mapping App Helps You Find the Best Places In Between
42
City Hotspot Maps
Taxi Stockholm's Map Points Out the Hottest Spots in the City
41
Customizable Map Apps
The Viago Mapping App is Incredibly Advanced and Intuitive
40
Geotagging Online Games
Smarty Pins By Google Maps is an Addictively Simple Geography-Testing Game
39
Penguin-Guided Navigation Apps
The 'Follow the Penguin' App Guides People to the Sunshine Aquarium
38
Explanatory Sketch Apps
This Can't-Miss App Helps You Explain Things By Painting a Picture
37
Search Engine Social Apps
The New Google+ iPhone App is a Beautiful Thing
36
Euro-Navigating Bike Apps
The Google Maps App Now Has Bike Directions for European Countries
35
Indoor Navigation Apps
The Inside App Makes Directories a Thing of the Past
34
Blind-Assisting Subway Beacons
The wayfindr System Guides the Blind Through London's Subway System
33
Intricate Map Pendants
Urban Gridded Dogtag Jewelry by Aminimal Studio Features Over 120 Cities
32
Navigational Footwear
Dominic Wilcox 'No Place Like Home GPS Shoe' Makes Getting Lost an Adventure
31
Candy-Locating Apps
Nextdoor's Halloween Treat Map Helps You Find the Best Trick or Treating Spots
30
Powerful Child Trackers
The Yepzon Child Tracker Can Track Lost Children From Any Distance
29
Car Space-Finding Apps
This Parking App Uses Existing Smartphone Sensors to Find You a Vacant Spot
28
Augmented Reality Maps
The AR-MAPS App Works Can Detect Current Locations with a Simple Point
27
GPS-Enhanced Ski Gloves
These Ski Gloves Measures Your Velocity and Displays Your Location
26
Tiny Parking Space Apps
The Smart Spots App Locates Compact Spots Perfect for Smart Car Parking
25
Augmented Reality Navigation Apps
The HUDWAY App Makes Driving in Bad Weather Safer
24
Vehicle-Navigating Tablets
The Innovative Audi Android Tablet Debuted at CES 2014
23
Eco Transit Apps
This Comprehensive Trip Planning App Offers 10 Different Transportation Options
22
Subtle Biker GPS Systems
The Schwinn CycleNav Issues Audio Directions and Tracks Ride Data
21
Personalized Map Apps
Pin Drop's App Lets You Create Custom, Meaningful Maps with Friends
20
Beacon Navigation Technology
Sightcompass is a Beacon Tool for the Visually Impaired
19
Wearable Winter Sports Trackers
The Yeti Wrist Monitor Tracks Your Skiing and Snowboarding Stats
18
Intuitive Urban Routing Apps
Google Maps for iPhone Returns to the Delight of Diligent Users
17
Comprehensive Navigation Apps
The Nokia Here App and In-Dash System Includes 3D City Maps
16
Verbal Navigation Bike Gadgets
The CycleNav Launched at CES 2014 & Will Revolutionize Your Biking
15
GPS-Guided Flying Drones
The 'Skycall' Drone Will Be Your Personal Tour Guide for MIT
14
Alternative Mapping Apps
Nokia HERE Maps App Offers Apple and Android Users Another Route
13
Carbon Fiber Electric Bikes
The Haibike Xduro FullCarbon Bike Has a High-Tech Carbon Fiber Design
12
Driver Tracking Devices
Cloud Your Car Simplifies Car Fleet Management By Connecting All Vehicles
11
Handheld Navigation Devices
The Yubi Navi Baton Vibrates To Direct You To Your Destination
10
Context Awareness Apps
The Location Tracking PlaceUs Uses Automation to Maintain Close Connections
9
Spy-Worthy Stuff Locators
The World's Thinnest Item-Tracking Device Finds Your Lost Belongings
8
Minimal Android Maps
Never Get Lost Again with the Updated Map App for Android
7
Travelling Compass Apps
The Trip Compass App Will Help You Move Around Without Getting Lost
6
Indian Indoor Navigation Apps
Google India Recently Rolled Out Maps for Indoor Navigation
5
Integrated Auto Apps
ZENRIN Datacom Collaborates With the QNX CAR Platform
4
Subway Accessibility Apps
The Wheely App Indicates Where Wheelchair Ramps and Elevators in NYC are
3
Friend-Locating Apps
The Marco Polo App Helps You Find Your Friends While You're Out on the Town
2
Groovy Music Festival Apps
The Lollapalooza Mobile App Keeps You Connected to All the Festivities
1
Route-Optimizing Predictive Tech
Ford Uses the Google Prediction API to Customize One's Route
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Smart Electric Skates
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Flash Drive Rings
The UU-U Memory Ring is a Stylishly Wearable Jewelry USB Port Design
Productive App Guides
This Infographic Lists the Pros and Cons of Productivity-Enhancing Apps
Wearable Adhesive Beacons
The Versatile Estimote Stickers Connect Everyday Objects to Smartphones
Wirelessly Charged Bicycle Concepts
The Flux Bicycle Could Be Charged Wirelessly On the Go
Fashionable Tech Jewelry
Tory Burch Teams Up With FitBit to Create Wearable Fitness Bracelets
High-Tech Smart Umbrellas
The Blunt + Tile Smart Umbrella Can Be Tracked Down If Misplaced
Carry-on Customizing Crafts
This DIY Luggage Tag Will Help You Distinguish Your Suitcase
Bodybuilding Exercise Sensors
The Beast System is About Tracking Weight Lifting And Goal Setting
Targeted Gum Promotions
Trident Uses RFID Technology for an Effective Chewing Gum Advertisement
Debauchery-Remedying Retailers
The Vitamin Water Store Replenishes Those in the Red Light District
Hippie-Themed Festival Fashion
UNIF's Six Daisy Halter Features a Contemporary Crochet Design
Drink Pre-Ordering Apps
Starbucks' Mobile App Will Soon Let You Order and Pay in Advance
Internet-Connected Jewelry
The Mota Smartring Sends Notifications to Wearers Via Vibrations
Blindness Fighting Socks
This Startup is Taking on Preventable Blindness with Mismatched Socks
Beaded Statement Necklaces
Etsy's Li Telle Jewelry Shop Features Hand-Embroidered Accessories
Friend-Tracking Apps
The Closely App Lets Your Friends Know Where to Meet You
Inflated Cloud Umbrellas
The Innovative Cumulus Parasol Simulates the Look of a Real Cloud
Vibrating Visually-Impaired Footwear
The Lechal Initiative Helps the Blind Feel their Direction
Indoor Beacon Technology
The Estimote Indoor Location System Expands Its Beacon Services
Valet-Summoning Apps
Caarbon's Personal Valet Services Solve San Francisco Parking Problems
Discounted Ingredient Apps
A Dutch App Tracks Supermarket Deals and Offers Inexpensive Recipes
Sustainability-Measuring Tech Accessories
Lapka's Personal Environmental Monitor Tracks Energy Use
Self-Supporting Umbrella Designs
The Stay-Brella is a Unique and Ergonomic Umbrella Concept
Inviting Umbrella Lights
Umbrella Here Indicates to Strangers You Would be Willing to Share
Backpacker Bonding Apps
The Backpackr App Helps Solo Travelers Connect
Artful Disney Umbrellas
7-Eleven Releases an Exclusive Range of Disney Princess Rain Gear
Travel Companion Apps
The Wander App Helps You Find a Travel Buddy for Shared Adventures
Celeb-Obsessed Rain Gear
Etsy User Kayci Wheatley Creates Vivid Pop Culture Umbrellas
Acclaimed Veggie Apps
James Beard Foundation Vegetables Puts Award-Winning Recipes in Your Pocket
Custom Shopping Map Apps
ParknShop x Beacon Technology is a Useful Shopping App Concept
Personal Nutritionist Apps
The Nutrino Nutrition App Helps You Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Active Lifestyle Apps
The UP App by Jawbone Helps Users Eat Better and Get Moving
Ice Cream Tracker Apps
O2 Turns an Ice Cream Truck Business Hi-Tech with a Mobile App & More
Remote Doorbell Apps
i-Bell Helps You Answer Your Doorbell From Afar
Futuristic Windshield Displays
The Continental AR-HUD System Displays Information on Windshields
Slender Suitcase Designs
The Passavant and Lee Aluminum Briefcase is Chic and Contemporary
Shareable Air Travel Beacons
The Common-Use Beacon Registry Lets Airports Share Beacon Data
Sporty Smartwatches
The Sony Smartwatch 2 Has a Modern Design and High-Tech Features
Braille Clothing Tags
Rip Curl's Braille Clothing Tags Communicate Colors to the Visually Impaired
Universal Smartphone Bike Mounts
Finn is a Simple and Affordable Mobile Accessory for Cyclists
Selfie Assessment Apps
The Selfie Analyzer Lets You Know How Good Your Selfies Are Pre-Posting
Crossover Wallet Apps
Starbucks' Mobile Payment May Soon Let You Make Other Purchases with Its App
Speedy Bike Delivery Services
Hurrier Picks Up Food, Packages and More for Busy Torontonians
Disaster Check-In Tools
Facebook Safety Check Connects Disaster Victims with Loved Ones
GPS-Tracking Umbrellas
The Blunt XS Metro + Tile Ensures People Never Lose an Umbrella Again
Food Mapping Apps
The Foodmento Food Finder App Catalogs a City's Best Dishes with Photos
Interconnected Smartphone Jewelry
The Bluetooth Smart Jewelry by CSR Makes Technology Feminine
Handy Origami Umbrellas
The Sa Features a Functional New Design Made with Recyclable Materials
Stylish Smart Necklaces
Purple by Artefact Group is a Locket for the 21st Century
Virtual Tourism Apps
This 360 Panorama App Gives You an Immersive Travel Experience From Afar
Electric Bike Conversion Kits
The Barak Kit Transforms Regular Bicycles into Electric Bicycles
Blind Reading Devices
The Digital Reading System Translates Documents for the Visually Impaired
Smart Connected Urban Bikes
The BLACKLINE Bike is High-Tech with Navigation and Safety Gadgets
Charming Yeti Accessories
Etsy's Min Pin Shop Features Bigfoot Necklace Jewelry
Galactic Umbrella Designs
This Durable and Stylish Umbrella Features a Nifty Nebula Print
Alcoholic Candy Combination Charts
This Wine Pairing Infographic Shows Which Wines Go With Treats
Interactive Accommodation Apps
MIT's Future Hotel Experience Makes the Marriott More Interactive
Real-Time Beauty Apps
Modiface's Beauty Mirror App Enhances Features in Real-Time with AR
Opulent Emerald Accessories
This Lulu Frost Necklace Boasts Gold Metal and Stone Detailing
Child-Tracking Wristbands
Lineable is a Smart Child Tracker Device That Makes Use of Beacon Tech
Beacon Airport Navigation
The indoo.rs Indoor Navigation at SFO Helps Blind Travelers Get Around
Ear-Fitted Health Trackers
The FLIP Wearable Medical Device Attaches to Your Ear Like a Small Cuff
Travel Info-Aggregating Apps
The Info Connectivity System Simplifies International Air Travel
Creepy Clown Candy Machines
This Gumball Machine Could Scare Away All Your Trick-Or-Treaters
Encounter-Based Dating Apps
Happn is a Missed Connections App Based on Real Life Interactions
Beacon-Enabled Airports
Miami International Airport Has Integrated the Tech in a World's First
Political Food Apps
BuyPartisan Shows the Political Support Food Brands Provide
Vegetarian Restaurant Locator Apps
This Travel Guide App Targets Vegans and Vegetarians Especially
Female-Only Parking Sports
China’s World Metropolis Center Has Designated Parking Spots for Women
Alcoholic Beacon Apps
Remy Martin's Futur Heritage App Delivers Specifically Crafted Cocktails
Transit Planning Tools
Code for America's Transitmix Lets You Create and Share New Bus Routes
Emergency Response Apps
The GoodSAM Application Alerts Nearby First Aid During a Sudden Accident
Intuitive Fitness Trackers
The LifeTip Wearable Fitness Trackers Help Get You Into Shape
Futuristic Driving Gadgets
Volvo's Project 360°Aims to Eliminate Car Accidents
Curating Chef Apps
The Food Network App Lets You Feel Like a Professional
Plane Ticket Pollution Apps
The Carbon Emissions Calculator Shows Air Travelers Their CO2 Levels
Organizational Scheduling Apps
The Pomotodo Smartphone App Get Things Done on Your To-Do List
UV-Sensitive Umbrellas
The Cat Stroll UV Umbrella Changes Color to Reflect the Sun's Intensity
Blind-Assisting Subway Beacons
The wayfindr System Guides the Blind Through London's Subway System
Anti-Abuse Taxi Rides
KAFA's Driving Change Campaign Makes for an Uncomfortable Taxi Ride
Beacon Airport Assistance
British Airways Implements Beacon Technologies in Heathrow Airport
Sci-Fi Alien Pendants
This Jabba the Hutt Necklace Shows off a Slimy Sci-Fi Villain
Educational Halloween Apps
This Halloween Mobile App Improves Kids' Vocabulary & Listening Skills
Video Remixing Apps
Sympler is a Video Editing App That Helps You Mix and Remix Endless Creations
Sith Lord Suitcases
Disney's Darth Vader Star Wars Suitcase is Perfect for Earth Travel
Beefy Off-Road Cars
The Fiat Panda Cross is Built to Traverse Treacherous Terrain
Worker-Reported Health Apps
FwdHealth Helps Companies Cut Insurance Costs With Their Workers' Data
Taco-Texting Apps
The Taco Text App by XOXCO Lets You Send a Taco Emoji to Friends Anytime
Powerful Child Trackers
The Yepzon Child Tracker Can Track Lost Children From Any Distance
Automated Personal Beacons
Signul is a Beacon System That Streamlines Daily Tasks
Parking Restriction Apps
AppyParking Makes London Parking Rules Less Confusing For Drivers
Autonomous Electric Cars
The Afkar Electric Cars Will Drive Short Distances Fully Autonomously
Musical Messaging Apps
The La-La App Allows You To Chat Via Song
Smart Home Beacons
Airfy is a Beacon Home System to Make Your Home More Intelligent
Bicycling Route Apps
The CycleMap App Charts the Best Bike Routes Around the World
Third-Party App Platforms
The Apple WatchKit Allows Anyone to Develop Apps for Its First Wearable
Battery-Less Beacons
Ifinity's 'AirBeacons' Are Powered By Electromagnetic Waves
Food Expiry Apps
'The Fridge' is an App That Warns When Your Groceries Will Spoil
App-Connected Car Trackers
Zubie Keeps Tabs on Driving Habits and Automotive Health
Augmented Reality Hats
Hattrickwear Offers an Alternative to Google Glass
Hi-Tech Safety Sashes
This App-Connected LED Safety Light Improves Road Safety
Mathematical Dating apps
Floret Gamifies the Stable Marriage Problem in the Name of Romance
Child-Tracking Smartbands
The Sync Smartband Helps You Keep Track of Wandering Kids and Adults
Signaling Bicycle Bracelets
The Intelligent Blinker Lets Cyclists Flash Turn Signals
Beacon Navigation Technology
Sightcompass is a Beacon Tool for the Visually Impaired
Vocal Halloween Apps
Sainsbury's Voice-Changing App Lets Kids Take Costumes to a New Level
Garage Opener Apps
This Garage Door Opener App is Controlled Securely by Beacon Technology
Toy Tracking Services
Virgin Trains Introduces the Teddy Tracker to Prevent Lost Toys
Self-Driving Mini-Trucks
The US Marine Corps is Developing a Fully Autonomous Mini-Truck
Travel Companionship Apps
Wandermates is a Solo Travel App That Helps You Make Travel Buddies
Versatile Roadtrip Apps
Roadtrippers is a Handy Summer Travel App That Helps Plan Roadtrips
Ugandan Eye Care Apps
This Blindness Prevention Mobile App was Developed Specifically for Uganda
Context Awareness Apps
The Location Tracking PlaceUs Uses Automation to Maintain Close Connections
Halloween Safety Apps
This Halloween App Helps Parents Keep Track of Trick-Or-Treating Children
Subway Accessibility Apps
The Wheely App Indicates Where Wheelchair Ramps and Elevators in NYC are
Ultra-Sensitive Feet Trackers
The Boogio Foot Tracker Offers 60,000 Layers of Pressure Sensitivity
Taxi Teamwork Apps
The Hailo and Citymapper Apps are Joining Forces to Improve Taxi Services
Taxi Routing Maps
This NYC Taxi Project Recounts a Day in the Life of a Cabbie