I want to design a map for the visually impaired and blind. It is to help them, as tourists, find their way around a city.

I need to 'create map substitutes that are accessed through non-visual sensory pathways.' (Geography Discipline Networks, 2001).

ok. This is what I have come up with.

A map that uses contoured paper to show places and Braille instead of text. That idea isn't so new. What I would also include, that I don't think has been done before, is remove areas of the paper (make holes) that represent something on the key (legend).

That's it. As you can see it's not even in the oven yet, never mind half baked.
-- DRudge, Apr 13 2005

this might work, holes of different shapes to represent facilities, like a P.O. or a park area.
-- dentworth, Apr 13 2005


Yes. A star for a post office. They can check what things are by feeling for the holes down the page. My only worry is the cost of getting the printers to do this. Maybe there is a better idea? or way to do it?
-- DRudge, Apr 13 2005


speaking GPS systems exist now.
-- ato_de, Apr 13 2005


I would think that if the manufacturer is putting Braille on the map, that these other symbols would be done in relief during the same process. Though, holes might be a way to extend the symbol set. Is it as easy to determine the shape of a hole as it is to read the Braille bumps? It seems to me that it wouldn't, but I can't read Braille either.
-- half, Apr 13 2005


GPS is another area to look at. However, it is expensive for just a day trip.

I was thinking along the lines of lending the GPS system from the library or tourist office.

However, I want to explore the low-tec solution to the problem first.

half -- your right about the holes, I just tried it and they need to be big and obvious. A star and square can be identified.

But, I dont have a visual impairment and I'm not blind. I believe the user (braille competent reader) will be more capable of identify things with their fingers.

I might test this out.
-- DRudge, Apr 13 2005


Putting the appropriate data in braille onto a map would be feasible. The usability issue would be in orienting the user and the map correctly to the environment. Would be possible to know where you are but not necessarily which direction you are facing and is the map facing the same way. Overcome this and it's a winner.
-- oneoffdave, Apr 14 2005



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