GoodMaps Explore, the name of the app, works thanks to detailed digital mapping of the airport and the use of location sensors that determine the user’s exact position inside the facility. With this technology, MIA positions itself at the forefront of smart airports—not only in the United States, but globally—at a time when the aviation industry is strongly committed to more inclusive travel experiences.
Ralph Cutié, Director and CEO of Miami International Airport, expressed his enthusiasm for the rollout of this technological solution. He stated that this advancement is part of a broader strategy by Miami-Dade County to ensure equity and accessibility in all public services. “We want every passenger passing through our facilities to do so with dignity, safety, and independence. This new app is a key step in that direction,” Cutié said.
The project was made possible through collaboration between GoodMaps and the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, with the active participation of organizations advocating for the rights of people with visual disabilities. These groups provided valuable input during the testing phase, helping to refine the user interface, optimize voice commands, and ensure that the tool accommodates different levels of visual impairment.
The launch of this app is especially relevant in the context of growing demand from travelers for accessible, personalized, and user-friendly technological solutions. In this regard, MIA is ahead of industry trends by implementing a tool that not only improves the individual experience of travelers with disabilities but also sends a strong message about the importance of building inclusive infrastructure.
Currently, the airport handles more than 50 million passengers annually and serves as one of the main gateways between Latin America and the United States. This new accessibility measure strengthens its reputation as a modern international hub that values the diversity of its travelers.
The GoodMaps Explore app is available free of charge for both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from official app stores. Once installed, it automatically detects the user's location within the airport and offers options such as detailed route selection, voice-guided navigation, and targeted searches—such as locating a coffee shop, accessible restroom, or the lost and found office.
Since its inception, Miami International Airport has been recognized for its efforts in sustainability, operational efficiency, and customer service. However, this new step toward inclusion places it in a prominent position within the global airport landscape, setting a standard that will likely be replicated by other airports around the world.
With this initiative, Miami is not only responding to the concrete needs of thousands of travelers with visual impairments but also redefining what it means to travel with dignity in the 21st century. Technological innovation in service of accessibility is no longer optional—it is an ethical and functional imperative for any infrastructure that aims to be truly universal.
