# Braille City Maps The DROP GPS Device Encourages You to Follow Blindly By Alex Scott | Published 2010-04-22 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drop-gps-device References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2010/04/22/gps-in-a-hand-disk/) As the blind have done without something like the DROP GPS device for so long, it makes me feel ashamed for us folks with sight who rely so heavily on [navigation systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-navigation-system). The palm-size gadget is truly revolutionary. Using the tried and true technology of braille, the DROP GPS device helps guide the visually impaired around a city center, so that they won't end up miles from their destination. It is how the DROP GPS device actually works that is so amazing. The [braille clusters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brailledoodle) represent the buildings while the flat surfaces represent the streets and alleys. The braille will actually move when the environment changes! That, coupled with an [audio guide system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navicane), ensures that those without sight will get to exactly where they're going. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Braille Navigation:** The use of braille technology in navigation systems presents an opportunity for inclusive and accessible travel for the visually impaired. - **Sensory Maps:** The development of sensory maps with braille representations can encourage a more holistic travel experience for visually impaired individuals. - **Audio-visual Guides:** Combining audio and visual elements in navigation devices can provide an enhanced experience for those with visual impairments while also assisting those with hearing impairments. ### Who This Affects Most - **Assistive Technology:** The development of assistive technologies such as braille navigation devices can provide new revenue streams for tech companies that are committed to social impact. - **Urban Planning:** The use of sensory maps in urban planning can foster greater inclusivity for visually impaired individuals, enhancing the social and economic vitality of a city. - **Tourism:** Using sensory maps and audio-visual guides can cater to the growing demand of accessible tourism, providing a lucrative business opportunity for the tourism industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Engaging Braille Education Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-learning-device.md) - [Haptic Navigation Wristbands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haptic-navigation-wristband.md) - [Braille-Equipped Memo Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/memo-device.md) - [Redefined Braille E-Readers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dotary-device.md) - [Minimal Braille Learning Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartio-edu.md) - [Miniature Braille Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tdot-braille-keyboard.md) - [Robotic Visual Impairment Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handheld-guidance-device.md) - [Assistive Navigation Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navigation-system.md) - [Inclusive Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-label-maker.md)