they're on every train station in austria

They're pretty common in Japan. The lines run one strip wide down the sidewalks, and then there's a more spread out area of dots when you get to the corner of an intersection

They're everywhere here. I thought they were for added grip

Now that you know about it, i bet youll spot it everywhere (depending on country i guess).

Look for them at traffic crossings, railways, bus stops, government buildings, all sorts.