Lost passengers wandering airport terminals with stressed expressions are about to become extinct at Nashville International Airport. BNA just launched GoodMaps, making it Tennessee’s first airport to deploy advanced indoor navigation technology designed specifically with accessibility at its core.
Digital Mapping Meets Real-World Navigation
Think of GoodMaps as the indoor equivalent of your car’s GPS, but smarter. The system uses LiDAR scanning, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to build incredibly detailed digital maps of BNA’s terminals.
Travelers download the free app, select the airport, scan their surroundings with their phone camera, then receive turn-by-turn directions to gates, restaurants, shops, restrooms, or parking garages. Audio prompts and on-screen visual guidance work together, delivering narrated environmental descriptions that help travelers understand their surroundings completely.
Key Features:
- Works in 20+ languages for international travelers
- Provides step-free routing for mobility-impaired passengers
- Offers visual directions for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors
- Includes virtual airport exploration before arrival for trip planning
- Free download available on Apple App Store and Google Play
Beyond Compliance to True Inclusion
The technology deliberately exceeds Americans with Disabilities Act standards, targeting proactive inclusion rather than minimum compliance. “This is more than a new feature—it’s a reflection of our values,” said Doug Kreulen, President & CEO of Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. “We’re making travel easier and more welcoming for every passenger.”
Theresa Reno-Weber, CEO of GoodMaps, emphasized the broader significance: “By leading the way as the first airport in Tennessee to launch GoodMaps, BNA is setting a powerful example of how technology can remove barriers and make travel easier, safer, and more welcoming for everyone.”
The rollout represents a cornerstone of BNA’s Cares Program, focused on accessibility and inclusion initiatives across the airport. For travelers who are blind or have low vision, the detailed audio guidance transforms navigation from dependent assistance to independent confidence.
This deployment positions Nashville as a regional accessibility leader while addressing practical challenges millions face in complex public spaces.
