Finding Your Way: Open Source Wayfinding Solutions
1. The Old Guard: UC Davis Wayfinding
Let’s start with the granddaddy of them all – the UC Davis Wayfinding plugin. This jQuery-based solution has been around the block and back, with over 100 stars on GitHub and a track record of actually working in real-world scenarios.
Built specifically for interactive SVG maps, this plugin was designed with kiosks and digital signage in mind. You know those touch-screen directories you see in malls? This is the kind of tech that powers them. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done with shortest-route calculations and support for multiple map layers.
The Good: Rock-solid stability, well-documented, perfect for simple needs
The Not-So-Good: jQuery feels a bit… 2015? And development has slowed down
If you’re building something straightforward and don’t need all the bells and whistles, this might be your go-to. Plus, if you’re working with legacy systems, jQuery integration is probably a blessing rather than a curse.
2. The Modern Marvel: Indoor Wayfinder (Pathpal)
Now, if UC Davis Wayfinding is the reliable old Toyota, then Indoor Wayfinder (also called Pathpal) is the Tesla – sleek, modern, and packed with features you didn’t know you needed.
This React-based solution brings wayfinding into the modern era with TypeScript, responsive design, and all those little touches that make users happy. We’re talking pinch-to-zoom, smooth animations, and a UI that actually looks like it belongs in 2025.
Under the hood, it uses the Dijkstra algorithm for pathfinding (yes, that Dijkstra – the same one from your computer science classes), and the whole thing is built with React, Vite, and TailwindCSS. You can check out the demo at indoor.knotzer.io, and honestly, it’s pretty impressive.
The Good: Modern tech stack, gorgeous UI, mobile-first design
The Heads-Up: It’s still labeled as a prototype, so maybe don’t bet your startup on it just yet
3. The New Kid on the Block: OpenIndoorMaps
Speaking of evolution, let’s talk about OpenIndoorMaps – the spiritual successor to Indoor Wayfinder that’s aiming to solve real-world problems. This project represents where the indoor navigation world is heading: self-hostable, built on open standards, and designed for actual deployment.
What makes OpenIndoorMaps interesting is its practical approach. Instead of trying to solve indoor positioning with complex WiFi triangulation or Bluetooth beacons (which frankly, most browsers still struggle with), they’re focusing on proven solutions like QR codes for position identification. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution.
The project is currently in pre-alpha with a map viewer demo at openindoormaps.vercel.app, but the roadmap includes a map editor and backend integration. Built on OpenStreetMap data and focusing on self-hosted deployments, it’s targeting real use cases: shopping malls, hospitals, universities, airports – you know, places where people actually get lost.
The Good: Modern architecture, practical approach, active development, community-focused
The Wait: Still in early development, but shows promise for production use
4. The Swiss Army Knife: SvgNaviMap
If you need something with more features than a deluxe smartphone, SvgNaviMap might be your answer. This isn’t just a mapping solution – it’s a full-blown indoor positioning system.
Here’s where things get interesting: SvgNaviMap doesn’t just show you a map; it can actually figure out where you are inside a building using WiFi fingerprinting. It uses machine learning (Random Forest algorithm, for the nerds in the audience) to pinpoint your location and then guide you to where you want to go.
The system comes with a visual editor for creating routing graphs, supports multiple building levels, and even has an Android app. It’s like having a GPS system that works indoors.
The Good: Comprehensive feature set, includes positioning technology, cross-platform
The Reality Check: The creators themselves admit it’s “buggy” and complex to set up
5. The Team Player: Leaflet-Indoor
Sometimes you don’t need to reinvent the wheel – you just need a really good wheel that works with all your other wheels. That’s where Leaflet-Indoor comes in.
If you’re already using Leaflet (one of the most popular mapping libraries out there), this plugin is a no-brainer. With 365 stars on GitHub, it’s clearly struck a chord with developers who need indoor mapping that plays nice with existing systems.
It handles multi-floor buildings like a champ, works with standard GeoJSON data, and integrates seamlessly with the broader Leaflet ecosystem. It’s not flashy, but it’s solid and reliable. Check out the demo to see it in action.
The Good: Large community, stable, works with existing Leaflet setups
The Trade-off: You’ll need to add your own routing logic – it’s more of a foundation than a complete solution
6. The Algorithm Nerd’s Dream: PathFinding.js
Okay, this one’s a bit different. PathFinding.js isn’t a complete wayfinding solution – it’s the engine that powers the pathfinding part. Think of it as the brain that figures out the shortest route while other tools handle the pretty interface.
What makes this library special is its variety. A*, Dijkstra, breadth-first search, depth-first search – if it’s a pathfinding algorithm, chances are it’s included. There’s even a visual demo where you can watch different algorithms work their magic in real-time.
The Good: Multiple algorithms, excellent performance, framework-agnostic
The Catch: You’ll need to build everything else yourself
7. The Enterprise Option: Osiris Indoor Server
For those thinking bigger picture, Osiris takes a different approach entirely. Instead of client-side solutions, it’s a full server platform that provides RESTful APIs for indoor mapping.
Built to handle smart buildings and campus-scale deployments, Osiris uses OpenStreetMap data formats and can generate maps in various formats. It’s less “quick weekend project” and more “let’s build something serious that can handle thousands of users.”
The Good: Professional-grade, scalable, backed by a real company
The Reality: Complex deployment, requires serious infrastructure
The Wild Cards: What Else Is Out There?
The wayfinding world doesn’t end with dedicated libraries. Some developers are rolling their own solutions using:
- D3.js for highly customized, data-driven visualizations
- Mapbox GL JS for high-performance, WebGL-powered maps
- Three.js for full 3D indoor navigation experiences
These approaches require more work but offer unlimited customization possibilities.
So, What Should You Choose?
Here’s my completely unscientific but hopefully helpful breakdown:
Go with UC Davis Wayfinding if you need something that works yesterday, you’re comfortable with jQuery, or you’re building a kiosk system that needs to be bulletproof.
Pick Indoor Wayfinder if you’re building a modern web app, your users expect a slick mobile experience, or you’re already working in React-land.
Choose SvgNaviMap if you need actual indoor positioning (not just mapping), you’re working on a research project, or you don’t mind getting your hands dirty with complex setup.
Select Leaflet-Indoor if you’re already using Leaflet, you need something stable with community support, or you’re integrating with other GIS systems.
Grab PathFinding.js if you’re building something custom, you need specific algorithms, or you enjoy building things from scratch.
Consider Osiris if you’re thinking enterprise-scale, you need server-based architecture, or you want commercial support.
Finding Your Way: Commercial Wayfinding Solutions
1. Navigine
- Website: navigine.com
- Focus: Enterprise indoor navigation and positioning
- Key Strengths:
- Over 3,000 client installations worldwide
- 500+ public mobile and web applications deployed
- Comprehensive SDK and API platform
- Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi, and beacon technology integration
- Target Markets: Retail, healthcare, airports, corporate campuses
- Differentiator: Massive global deployment scale and mature platform
- Additional Resources: Indoor Wayfinding Solutions | GitHub
2. Mapsted
- Website: mapsted.com
- Focus: Infrastructure-free indoor positioning
- Key Strengths:
- Patented magnetic positioning technology
- No hardware infrastructure required
- AI-powered location accuracy
- Comprehensive mobile wayfinding platform
- Target Markets: Shopping malls, hospitals, universities, airports
- Differentiator: Hardware-free approach reduces deployment costs and complexity
- Additional Resources: Indoor Wayfinding Solutions | Indoor Positioning System
3. 22miles
- Website: 22miles.com
- Focus: Digital signage and 3D wayfinding experiences
- Key Strengths:
- 3D wayfinding and Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities
- Interactive wayfinding kiosks
- Comprehensive digital signage integration
- Omnichannel mobile and web experiences
- Target Markets: Corporate offices, retail centers, healthcare facilities
- Differentiator: Strong focus on immersive 3D and AR wayfinding experiences
- Additional Resources: Wayfinding Solutions | Mobile & AR Wayfinding
4. Pointr
- Website: pointr.tech
- Focus: AI-powered mapping and positioning
- Key Strengths:
- Deep Location® technology for accurate indoor positioning
- Seamless indoor-outdoor transition
- Real-time people and asset tracking
- Machine learning-enhanced location accuracy
- Target Markets: Hospitals, airports, retail centers, corporate offices
- Differentiator: AI-enhanced positioning accuracy and smooth indoor-outdoor transitions
- Additional Resources: Company Overview | Indoor Positioning
5. Inpixon
- Website: inpixon.com
- Focus: Real-time location systems (RTLS) and IoT
- Key Strengths:
- Comprehensive indoor analytics platform
- Asset tracking and people flow analytics
- Industrial IoT integration capabilities
- Multiple positioning technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB)
- Target Markets: Healthcare, manufacturing, corporate enterprises
- Differentiator: Strong focus on analytics and IoT integration for business intelligence
- Additional Resources: Indoor Positioning Systems
6. MazeMap
- Website: mazemap.com
- Focus: Campus and large venue wayfinding
- Key Strengths:
- Specialized in educational and healthcare campuses
- Facility management system (FMS) integration
- Occupancy heat maps and analytics
- Event and conference wayfinding solutions
- Target Markets: Universities, hospitals, corporate campuses, event venues
- Differentiator: Deep specialization in campus environments and FMS integration
- Additional Resources: Event Venues | Campus Benefits
7. CenTrak
- Website: centrak.com
- Focus: Healthcare wayfinding and RTLS
- Key Strengths:
- Healthcare-specific wayfinding solutions
- Patient flow optimization
- Real-time location tracking for assets and staff
- Integration with hospital information systems
- Target Markets: Hospitals, healthcare systems, medical centers
- Differentiator: Deep healthcare industry focus with clinical workflow integration
- Additional Resources: Digital Wayfinding | CenTrak Maps
8. Situm
- Website: situm.com
- Focus: Indoor positioning platform
- Key Strengths:
- High-precision indoor positioning system
- 3D interactive indoor maps
- Minimal infrastructure requirements
- SDK for custom application development
- Target Markets: Retail, corporate offices, public buildings
- Differentiator: High positioning accuracy with minimal infrastructure deployment
- Additional Resources: Indoor Navigation | Indoor Positioning System
9. 3D Wayfinder
- Website: 3dwayfinder.com
- Focus: Transportation hubs and retail venues
- Key Strengths:
- Specialized solutions for airports and train stations
- Shopping center wayfinding expertise
- Kiosk, mobile, and web platform support
- Multi-language and accessibility features
- Target Markets: Airports, train stations, shopping centers, large retail venues
- Differentiator: Strong specialization in transportation and large-scale retail environments
10. Kontakt.io
- Website: kontakt.io
- Focus: Indoor Journey Analytics with IoT
- Key Strengths:
- Comprehensive IoT platform with beacon technology
- Indoor journey analytics and customer flow insights
- Healthcare RTLS solutions
- Robust hardware ecosystem (beacons, gateways, tags)
- Target Markets: Healthcare, retail, smart buildings, logistics
- Differentiator: Strong emphasis on journey analytics and comprehensive IoT hardware ecosystem
- Additional Resources: LinkedIn
Finding Your Way: My Wayfinding Solution
1. The Editor
The editor offers a complete toolset for drawing, editing, connecting, importing and exporting SVG-based indoor navigation maps – including grid, background image, properties panel and comfortable operation!
Drawing Functions
- Modes: Rectangle, Circle, Dot/Waypoint, Text, Connection (Line/Arc), Selection
- Mode switching: Via button or right-click (right-click always switches to selection)
- Snap to Grid: Elements snap to the grid (can be disabled)
- Grid: Grid with adjustable size and color (
#FFD800), can be turned on/off
Element Editing
- Selection: Elements can be selected and moved
- Resize: Rectangles and circles have drag handles for scaling
- Properties Panel: Edit attributes like name, description, color, opacity, size, position, weight (for connections), text alignment, font size, etc.
- Text: Text can be placed, edited and (optionally) rotated
- Duplicate: Selected elements can be duplicated using Ctrl+D/Cmd+D
Connections
- Lines and Arcs: Connections between rooms/waypoints as line or arc
- Properties: Weight (data-weight), dashed, curve value (for arcs)
- Automatic following: Connections remain “attached” when moving connected elements
Import/Export
- SVG Import: Via file upload or direct pasting of SVG code in text field
- SVG Export: Export as SVG file, output in text field, copy to clipboard
- Clear All: Delete all elements at once
Background Image
- Image Upload: Insert image as background (e.g., floor plan)
- Remove Image: Background image can be removed
Element List
- Sidebar: Overview of all elements, selection by clicking
Keyboard Shortcuts
- Delete: Deletes the selected element (including connected lines)
- Escape: Clear selection, cancel connection creation
- Ctrl+D/Cmd+D: Duplicates the selected element
Miscellaneous
- Color Selection: Default colors for fill, stroke, opacity, stroke width adjustable
- Responsive Layout: Sidebar and canvas adapt accordingly
- Custom IDs: Automatic ID assignment for new elements
- Resize Handles: Drag handles for rectangles and circles
2. The Indoor Navigation Library
Interactive indoor navigation for buildings (e.g., offices, malls, hospitals) using SVG floor plans.
Key features:
- SVG Map Support: Works with SVG maps where rooms and paths have unique IDs.
- Room & Path Parsing: Automatically detects rooms and paths in the SVG using configurable selectors.
- Graph Construction: Builds a graph of rooms and their connections, supporting weighted paths (e.g., for stairs, elevators).
- Shortest Path Calculation: Uses Dijkstra’s algorithm to find the shortest or lowest-weight path between rooms.
- Path & Room Highlighting: Visually highlights the calculated path and rooms in the SVG, with animated effects for active paths and pulse effects for start/destination.
- Multi-Floor Support: Can be extended for multi-floor navigation (basic floor switching logic included).
- Custom Styling: Injects CSS for interactive and animated SVG elements.
- Event Handling: Allows custom click handlers for rooms.
- Utility Methods: Provides methods to get all rooms, room info, and connected rooms.
- Module Support: Can be used as a CommonJS, AMD, or global browser module.
