An alternative and smarter route planner for wheelchair users: Exploring open data

Abstract

In this paper we describe a bottom-up approach to integrate GIS maps (endorsed by discrete features, such as points, lines, polygons), in order to develop a route planner for wheelchair users. We integrate public available data with a novel model for route planning, based on sidewalks, crosswalks and curb ramps, as opposed to traditional street-based approaches. We show that our sidewalk-based model is more suitable than available planning routes under mobility constraints, using a case study in Curitiba, Brazil.