Covenant Maps: Your personal guide to navigating the Lakewood Covenant Community Health Centre
Never feel lost again
Finding your way through a large healthcare facility can be stressful, especially when you're already dealing with health concerns or if you’re accompanying a loved one to an appointment. At the Lakewood Covenant Community Health Centre, we're proud to introduce Covenant Maps, a cutting-edge digital wayfinding solution that works like Google Maps for indoors, guiding visitors seamlessly from one location to another anywhere within the building.
What is Covenant Maps?
Covenant Maps is an application powered by Purple, a proven leader in healthcare navigation technology with over a decade of experience. The app provides turn-by-turn instructions and visualizations for routes within the Lakewood Covenant Community Health Centre, helping visitors navigate confidently anywhere from their parking spot to a clinic waiting room and back again.
"We wanted to remove one of the sources of stress for patients and visitors — the anxiety of getting lost or being late for an appointment," says Daina Sparling, corporate services manager, Innovation, at Covenant Health. "Covenant Maps empowers people to navigate the facility independently using step-by-step guidance and accessible route planning, which can be especially helpful for folks experiencing cognitive differences or mobility limitations."
How Covenant Maps works
The system uses a sophisticated blend of technologies to help pinpoint your location and guide you through the building.
Multiple sensors working together
Covenant Maps doesn't rely on just one technology. Instead, it combines data from:
Bluetooth and WiFi: Beacons and access points throughout the building help establish your general position.
Barometer: Sensors measure air pressure to determine which floor you're on.
Magnetometer and Inertial Measurement Unit: Sensors track your direction and movements as you walk, helping you zero in on your exact location.
Geomagnetic positioning: The building's unique magnetic signature gives you enhanced accuracy about your position.
"Think of it like a web of sensors," says Daina. "Each sensor is constantly contributing geospatial information and anticipating your potential routes like the threads of a web. The application then presents you with the most efficient or appropriate route based on your needs and location."
Getting started with Covenant Maps
Using Covenant Maps is simple and accessible for everyone.
Download the app
It’s available for download from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android) app stores.
It’s also available as a web application through your device’s browser (with limited functionality).
QR codes on signs throughout the building link directly to download locations.
Search for your destination
Type in the name of the clinic, service or retail location you're looking for.
The app will display hours of operation, contact information and location details.
Choose your starting point (or let the app detect your current location).
Follow the blue line
A solid blue line will appear on your screen, showing your route.
Arrows and instructions will guide you turn by turn.
The app updates in real time as you move through the building.
Navigate with confidence
The system works throughout your journey, from your parking spot to clinics to other services and back.
If you take a detour (like stopping at a washroom), the app will automatically recalculate your route.
Use the "Reverse Navigation" feature to guide you back to where you parked.
Use special features for accessibility
Covenant Maps is designed with accessibility in mind:
Accessible routes: You can select “accessible” route guidance, which will direct you to elevators and help you avoid stairs.
Multiple languages: In-system navigation is available in English, Arabic, Spanish, Punjabi, Somali and Ukrainian to support the diverse needs of the community.
Clear visual guidance: Large, easy-to-read directions and maps support you throughout your visit.
No personal tracking: The app does not collect or store any of your personal information.
"We recognize that differential access to — or understanding of — technology can create barriers," says Daina. "Creating equitable experiences for visitors was extremely important to us. That’s why we've ensured Covenant Maps isn’t the only way to navigate Lakewood. When you arrive at the main entrance, one of our amazing volunteers will be waiting to assist you. They can help you download the app on your own device, pull up directions on their iPad, provide traditional directions or even accompany you to your destination."
Understanding indoor positioning
Indoor navigation is complex, so it's important to understand how the system works.
Where it works best
Corridors and walkways: This is where Covenant Maps truly shines, providing very accurate and reliable navigation along clear paths.
Defined routes: The system excels at guiding you along established pathways through the building.
What to expect
The cold start: When you first open the app, it may take a moment to pinpoint your exact location. The system becomes more accurate once you start moving.
Large open areas: In atriums or lobbies, your position may be less precise than in hallways, but the app will still guide you to your destination.
Elevators: The metal elevator car can temporarily disrupt signals, but the system will update your position once you exit.
"When I work with clients, I often ask them to define what success looks like prior to starting their project,” says Daina. “Before Covenant Maps went live, we made hundreds of adjustments to get it to function perfectly, and in the end, we got pretty close. Reminding ourselves that we had defined success as giving our visitors the ability to arrive at their destination safely and without stress was important."
The technology behind the scenes
You might notice small geometric "egg-shaped" devices mounted on walls throughout the Lakewood Covenant Community Health Centre. These are Bluetooth Low Energy beacons that help power Covenant Maps. They're part of the infrastructure that makes indoor navigation possible, working quietly in the background to help you find your way.
Our partners at Edon Management help maintain these devices and the overall system, ensuring everything runs smoothly for visitors.
Covenant’s commitment to innovation
As part of Alberta's first Covenant Wellness Community, the Lakewood Covenant Community Health Centre is pioneering innovative approaches to providing integrated, community-based care, including accessible ways to navigate to clinics and services.
"Innovation at Covenant isn't about using technology for technology's sake," says Daina. "Everything the Innovation portfolio does at Covenant is focused on improving the experiences and outcomes of our patients, residents, families and visitors. We're committed to making data-informed decisions and continuously improving our approaches to the service of Albertans. I’m excited about what the future holds for innovation at Covenant.”
Getting help when you need it
While we designed Covenant Maps to be intuitive, we know that new technology can feel overwhelming for some people. Support is always available through:
Volunteers: Our volunteers at the main doors can help you download and use the app on your own device or show you the map on their iPad.
Traditional wayfinding: Clear directional signage throughout the building provides backup navigation.
Staff: Our staff members are always willing to offer directions or assistance.
Sharing your feedback
As we continue to refine Covenant Maps, we look to you for invaluable feedback. After a clinic appointment, you will receive an invitation to complete a patient experience survey that includes questions about Covenant’s digital innovation projects.
If you have ideas about how to improve Covenant Maps during your visit, feel free to share them at the information desk, at a clinic or with a volunteer for their feedback logs.
A blueprint for the future
Located at 7319 29 Ave NW, the Lakewood Covenant Community Health Centre embodies the future of community-based health care, bringing together primary and outpatient care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services and wellness resources under one roof. With Covenant Maps, navigating this innovative facility is as simple as following the blue line on your phone. Whether you're visiting for the first time or the 50th, using Covenant Maps will ensure you never feel lost, helping you focus on what matters most: your health and well-being.