and Sample Tactile Maps by InTouch Graphics
An embossed or bas-relief tactile map provides navigation assistance via touch for a blind or vision impaired person. The permanently mounted map is typically a bird’s eye view of an outdoor campus layout, highlighting prominent landmarks. Maps can also be designed showing indoor floor plans. Below are photos and images of our map designs and installations.
Our wayfinding maps are labeled in Braille, utilize an easy-to-read tactile-visual symbol system, and have simultaneous large print high-contrast displays. They come with a map key and directory of locations, and can also be designed with an X/Y coordinate system for quick tactile navigation.
Unfortunately, most blind adults have had very little previous experience using tactile maps, largely because these maps have been unavailable to them throughout their school years. Many of the most prominent schools for the blind in the world still do not have tactile maps of their campuses, and tactile map training is either absent entirely or a very weak part of the Orientation and Mobility curriculum.
