Accessible Navigation Mapping: Supporting People with Mobility Disabilities for Wayfinding

University campuses often present navigation challenges for individuals with mobility limitations due to complex layouts, unclear signage, and frequent construction. Effective wayfinding goes beyond simple directions; it fosters independence, well-being, and economic opportunity. Moreover, what may seem like a simple task can be a significant hurdle for those with disabilities. This paper aims to investigate the challenges of using the existing wayfinding methods and propose a comprehensive wayfinding resource to improve accessibility at University campuses specifically designed for individuals with mobility limitations. To achieve that, in this paper, we particularly focused on the Engineering School Campus of the University of Virginia (UVA). This resource will serve as the foundation for a future university-wide solution. First, we conducted a literature review of existing wayfinding projects to tailor our application to UVA’s specific needs. We then conducted a survey to identify key accessibility features desired by users, such as ramp locations and information on sidewalk congestion times. Building on these findings, we developed a process for gathering data on existing accessibility features and barriers within the UVA Engineering School Campus. Furthermore, we collected video data to investigate accessible navigation routes and mapped various campus buildings and outside pathways using RGB-D cameras and LiDAR sensors. The findings from the survey results and the proposed structured approach for data collection provide actionable and feasible recommendations to improve the current accessibility resources available at UVA.