Cadillac Fairview, one of the largest property owners in Canada with 20 mall locations, including Toronto’s Eaton Center, announced that its app now features indoor navigation at Fairview Mall in Toronto, Ontario. The release marks the first time a mall in Canada has employed app-based navigation with active positioning (meaning it can sense the user’s location).
“Cadillac Fairview continues to aggressively invest in innovative technologies that enhance the consumer shopping experience,” said Jason Anderson, senior vice president of marketing at Cadillac Fairview, in statement issued to MobileSyrup.
To access indoor navigation, Cadillac Fairview directs users to download its CF SHOP! app for Android or iOS, or visit the company’s website. From there, users can select Fairview Mall out of a list of location options and then enter the “Maps” section. In that section, they can view centre maps, locate their position, and view the shortest route to their desired location. Interactive 3D maps also show walking paths across floors.
The technology was developed by Toronto-based startup Aislelabs, which provides indoor positioning and way-finding using a combination of WiFi and Bluetooth beacons for triangulation.
Many other malls in Canada employ navigation solutions and 3D maps that don’t feature active positioning, including those fitted with technology from companies like Waterloo startup MappedIn.
With one location already set up with the new mapping system, it looks likely that Cadillac Fairview will aim to roll out the new feature across all 20 of its malls in the near future.
In addition to indoor navigation, the company states it is expanding its “Text Digital Concierge,” to be available at all locations. The service allows users to text questions straight to the mall for quick answers.
Related reading: Cadillac Fairview malls across Canada now let shoppers text a real person for answers to mall-related questions
[source]CNW[/source]
