Automatic (Tactile) Map Generation—A Systematic Literature Review

Jakub Wabiński,Albina Mościcka

doi:10.3390/ijgi8070293

Jakub Wabiński, Albina Mościcka

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi8070293

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Abstract

This paper presents a systematic literature review that reflects the current state of research in the field of algorithms and models for map generalization, the existing solutions for automatic (tactile) map generation, as well as good practices for designing spatial databases for the purposes of automatic map development. A total number of over 500 primary studies were screened in order to identify the most relevant research on automatic (tactile) map generation from the last decade. The reviewed papers revealed many existing solutions in the field of automatic map production, as well as algorithms (e.g., Douglas–Peucker, Visvalingam–Whyatt) and models (e.g., GAEL, CartACom) for data generalization that might be used to transform traditional spatial data into the haptic form, suitable for blind and visually impaired people. However, it turns out that a comprehensive solution for automatic tactile map generation does not exist.

Highlights

We are living in the Information Age—searching, browsing, downloading and archiving data is almost unlimited
Spatial data generalization is even more complicated in the case of tactile maps which are read using the sense of touch or, to a limited extent, using eyes [3]
Disabled people who perceive the world with different senses cannot use them, so they cannot take full advantage of the Information Age

Summary

Introduction

We are living in the Information Age—searching, browsing, downloading and archiving data is almost unlimited. According to the World Health Organization 253 million people in the world are visually impaired, of which 36 million are blind and 217 million have moderate to severe vision impairment [4]. This is why we need to present spatial data in a form that is suitable for these people. Apart from the differences resulting from the sense used to perceive the map, there are other characteristics of blind and visually impaired people that designers have to take into consideration. Along with the growing social awareness of the problems of disabled people, an increasing number of materials and solutions making their lives easier are appearing

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