Abstract
In this paper, we wanted to verify the hypothesis that extruding cartographic symbols on tactile maps to different heights might allow reducing the minimum (suggested in the literature) horizontal distances between them, without impacting the overall map's legibility. This approach might allow preparing tactile maps in smaller scales and thus, reducing production cost, or putting additional spatial information on the same map sheet that would not fit otherwise. To verify the hypothesis we have prepared 6 different stimuli variants with or without height differentiation applied and different horizontal distances between tactile symbols adopted (1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm). In the controlled study sessions with 30 participants with visual impairments we have measured the times required for solving 3 different spatial tasks on 3D printed tactile stimuli. We have also performed qualitative analysis to learn participants' opinions about the proposed design and materials used. It turns out that applying height differentiation not only results in shorter times required for solving spatial tasks but is also considered by blind individuals as a convenient improvement in terms of use comfort and allows reduction of recommended minimum horizontal distances between symbols on tactile maps.
Highlights
A growing number of maps being produced is connected with the increasing demand for information provided in a very concise and convenient way, available for quick assimilation
We have examined the influence of cartographic symbols’ height differentiation and their arrangement on the overall information value of the tactile stimuli prepared
Thanks to the qualitative analysis conducted during the study sessions, we have learned a lot about expectations of people with visual impairment (PVI) in terms of tactile maps design
Summary
A growing number of maps being produced is connected with the increasing demand for information provided in a very concise and convenient way, available for quick assimilation. These conditions, undoubtedly, are fulfilled by using cartographic form that shows spatial relations in a direct way, as a reflection of these relations in reality [1]. The vast majority of modern maps are digital, and usually unavailable for people with special needs, such as people with visual impairment (PVI). This results in a situation, where access to high-quality tactile maps is incomparably more difficult than to their classic counterparts. Most tactile maps are available in Braille textbooks or atlases, but are prepared using
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