GrabMaps makes last mile navigation effortless

The excitement of landing in a new place can quickly turn to dread, as you realise you have to find your way out of the airport before the good times start. 

Nobody enjoys the anxiety of navigating endless walkways, chaotic queues and confusing signs as you struggle to find the right exit. Even in the world’s most well-designed airports, such as Singapore’s Changi Airport, the sheer scale of the place and the chaos of human traffic can wear anyone down.

At Grab, we’re focused on developing innovative solutions to last mile navigation. That’s why in 2019, we launched a new last mile solution to make the experience of navigating unfamiliar and complex spaces simpler, safer, and swifter. 

Last mile navigation, step by step

Each day, millions of Grab users weave their way through the indoor mazes of their cities – from our driver-partners who collect goods and meals from massive shopping malls, to the consumers who use our services for their daily needs. Where it used to be common to see people looking puzzled and lost while trying to find a meeting point in cities such as Jakarta, Manila, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, GrabMaps is now on hand to ease their way.  

For the recently arrived passenger who has booked a Grab ride, Grab’s last mile guidance shows and tells them exactly where to go in-app. Rather than an abstract line snaking across the smartphone screen, users receive clear, contextual directions, such as: “As you approach the Changi lounge, veer left towards the escalator.” 

For further clarity, these directions come accompanied by picture guides to give visual confirmation and reassurance. Grab’s local ground teams have mapped over 84,000 venues – and counting – across the region, in order to provide image-based walking directions that help people find their way to the right entry or exit point.

As a result, customers benefit from a faster and smoother delivery, while drivers can gain more confidence about working and navigating in new territory.  

Blending technological innovation with hyperlocal insight

The challenge of last mile navigation lies in keeping maps updated down to the last detail, amidst a fast-changing landscape. GrabMaps stays on the cutting edge through our unique blend of innovative technology and on-the-ground insights, enabling us to provide reliable turn-by-turn guidance at any moment.

Last mile navigation starts with a thorough analysis of historical bookings to identify key venues as candidates for detailed mapping. A ground team methodically works through the chosen space, pinpointing and photographing direction signs and landmarks that identify drop-off and pick-up points. Next, we trace and record optimum paths from point to point, while sense-checking with merchants who know the place best. 

Once photos are collected and checked for clarity, we use machine learning to anonymise any form of personal data, such as the masking or blurring of faces and vehicle number plates. Photos are then matched with points on the map, and text directions are added and tested. 

This process is an ongoing and continually improving one. Venues are constantly evolving, and GrabMaps is prepared to evolve alongside them. Augmented reality navigation features are also on our radar as we consider more ways to enhance the experience for the micro-entrepreneurs and customers who rely on our services every day.

Driving Southeast Asia forward 

At Grab, we leverage local knowledge and superior technology to help millions of people share in the opportunity to thrive. GrabMaps’ last mile solution empowers our drivers and customers to work and fulfill their needs faster and better – opening new frontiers in our journey to drive Southeast Asia forward by creating economic empowerment for everyone. 

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