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Welcome to Loadstone!

Welcome to Loadstone GPS for IOS. Find information on the previous version for Nokia on the Loadstone Legacy Site.

Loadstone GPS is a powerful, easy-to-use app that enables blind pedestrians to "go blindly where everyone sighted has gone before." It is designed by the blind, for the blind, specifically for those who use Voiceover. Initially launched in July 2017, Version 1.4 hit the App Store in August 2019 and includes the much-requested turn-by-turn navigation function. The User Guide was thoroughly revised for Version 1.4. Two subsequent versions were released later in 2019 to address bug fixes resulting from the IOS 13 updates.

Loadstone Features

  • Get turn-by-turn directions from your current location to a desired destination.
  • Access and download from a world-wide database of points from OpenStreetMap, public mapping sources, transit systems, and points shared by other Loadstone users.
  • Create, store, and share your own navigation waypoints with others or the Loadstone comunity.
  • Filter point searches and output by categories and tags.
  • Explore your surroundings with features like 'Show Neighbourhood', 'Explore', and 'Find Point'.
  • Receive approach and arrival alerts for points of interest.
  • Customize alerts, units of measure, address format and other settings.
  • Display astronomic information like sunrise and set, moonrise and set, etc.
  • Track distance travelled with a built-in trip meter.
  • Import text databases and checkpoints from previous Loadstone versions.
  • No data plan required to use most major functions.
  • Complete documentation included.
  • Available in multiple languages.

Latest News

Loadstone on Soapbox Radio

November 11, 2020 - Loadstone GPS app developer, Shawn Kirkpatrick, and his girlfriend/webmistress/Loadstone's social media coordinator, were interviewed by the host of Soapbox Radio, Amy Amantea in July. The interview aired on November 11, 2020. Listen to the Soapbox Radio interview.

Loadstone on the Low Vision Bureau Podcast

February 9, 2020 - In December 2019, Loadstone GPS app developer, Shawn Kirkpatrick, and Loadstone's webmistress, Kristy Kassie, had the unique opportunity to chat with Alvarro Guttierez, a podcast host in Colombia. Huge thanks to Alvarro for getting us this link in time for White Cane Week 2020! Listen to Loadstone on the Low Vision Bureau podcast.

Loadstone GPS at the White Cane Information Forum

Loadstone GPS will be among the vendors at the White Cane Information Forum on February 14, 2020. Come visit us at Park Royal Shopping Centre in West Vancouver and get free Loadstone buttons and chocolate! Big thank you to Kale the Buttoneer for the fresh batch of super-adorable buttons.

IOS 13 Bug Fixes

November 28, 2019 - Version 1.6 fixes more IOS 13 bugs.

September 28, 2019 - Version 1.5 fixes IOS 13 bugs.

Still No Action from Walmart

June 26, 2018 - Neither Walmart Rewards Mastercard nor NCIX stepped up to help LoadstoneGPS and the hundreds of blind pedestrians who use the app worldwide. Read the Update on Walmart and NCIX situation.

Loadstone on @AT_Banter Podcast

January 12, 2018 - Shawn Kirkpatrick, Loadstone app developer, chats with the hosts of the AT Banter podcast.

Behind the Scenes of Loadstone

August 19, 2017 - Check out this fun look Behind the Scenes of Loadstone GPS.

Loadstone GPS Needs Donations!

The development and maintenance of #LoadstoneGPS is a labour of love for developer Shawn Kirkpatrick. He prides himself on making Loadstone the most efficient and feature-packed app for the blind. Users have grown to expect fast performance and immediate tech support. Here's the catch: aside from donations, Loadstone is an unpaid labour of love. Want Loadstone to be faster and better? Watch our Loadstone GPS GoFundMe Video and donate what you can. Every dollar counts.

Loadstone GPS Introduction Video

If you're a new user, or if you're interested in learning about what Loadstone GPS does, watch the Introduction to Loadstone Video.

July 25, 2017 - Check out this Brief Introduction to Loadstone to learn more about Loadstone GPS Developer, Shawn Kirkpatrick, as well as a bit of Loadstone history and our vision moving forward.

Launch Party Photos

July 25, 2017 - Check out some of the photos from the Loadstone GPS for IOS Launch Party. This Accessible PDF Photo Album includes photo titles and descriptions that are readable by screenreaders.

McDonalds.

Quick Links

Loadstone GoFundMe Campaign

Download Loadstone from the App Store

Loadstone on Facebook

Loadstone GPS on Twitter

More About Shawn Kirkpatrick