HaptOSM – Creating tactile maps for the blind and visually impaired

Abstract

This paper describes the latest accomplishments on the current research that is based on the master’s thesis “Ein System zur Erstellung taktiler Karten fur blinde und sehbehinderte Menschen” (German for “A system creating tactile maps for blind and visually impaired people”) (Hansgen, 2012). The system consists of two parts. The first part is new software especially designed and developed for creating tactile maps addressing the needs of blind and visually impaired people on tactile information. The second is an embossing device based on a modified CNC (computer numerical control) router. By using OpenStreetMap-data, the developed system is capable of embossing tactile maps into Braille paper and writing film.