Smart routing systems: developing an efficient and inclusive digital solution for local community and tourists in urban scenarios
Author(s)
Ruko, Sediola
Date Issued
November 27, 2025
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
Digital mapping technologies have increasingly demonstrated the potential
to support individuals with disabilities and tourists navigate urban environments
in a more accessible and informed manner. Over the years, digital mapping has
become a powerful tool for assisting people with disabilities by improving mobility,
independence, and access to information. Modern mapping platforms like Google
Maps now offer wheelchair-accessible route planning, highlight elevators in public
spaces, and provide real-time updates about obstructions or construction that might
affect accessibility.
However, despite these advancements, challenges remain, including incomplete
accessibility data, the need for real-time updates, and the lack of standardized
information across platforms showing that the landscape of digital mapping applications
remains fragmented, with varying levels of inclusivity and user adaptation.
This dissertation aims to close multiple gaps that are prevalent in current digital
mapping based solutions. More specifically, this dissertation investigates the design,
development and evaluation of solutions relying on digital mapping technologies
with the purpose of improving urban accessibility and navigation for multiple categories
of people. The work presented here addresses three distinct yet interrelated
challenges: 1) a comprehensive analysis of existing digital mapping applications for
users with disabilities, 2) the design and evaluation of a novel accessibility-focused
navigation and rating application, and 3) the development of an optimized tourist
routing approach that is able to account for both user interests and their impairment
restrictions.
Regarding the first challenge, this dissertation provides an extensive literature
review assessing current digital mapping tools’ functionalities, strengths, and limitations
aimed at users with different disabilities. The analysis identifies critical gaps
in addressing diverse accessibility needs, motivating subsequent contributions.
For the second challenge, building upon the knowledge obtained during the
abovementioned study, this work introduces a user-centered application that facilitates
both navigation and the rating of public spaces based on accessibility features.
Empirical evaluation, through field testing with a pool of testers, including individuals
with various impairments, demonstrates the system’s efficiency and usability,
achieving a reputable overall satisfaction.
Regarding the third challenge, this dissertation proposes a routing strategy
that enables tourists to maximize the number of attractions visited by navigating
scenic and pedestrian-friendly streets thus offering a personalized and simultaneously
optimized sightseeing experience. This approach is further extended to integrate the
knowledge and insights previously gathered in assisted-navigation of impaired persons
to render this approach as inclusive as possible, while aiming to also maximize user
satisfaction.
The research work presented in this dissertation highlights the necessity and
importance of integrating accessibility requirements into navigation systems, the
value of participatory feedback in improving urban environments, and the potential
of optimized routing strategies to enrich user experiences. This work demonstrates
that advancing digital mapping through inclusive and intelligent design principles is
essential to foster equitable urban exploration for all user categories. The chapters in
this thesis offer insights and methodologies to guide further research and development
in accessible digital mapping.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Engineering for Energy and Environment
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