LAUSR

Tactile maps (maps for blind and visually impaired people) play an essential role in education and social adaptation of visually challenged people. The tactile cartography rapidly develops along with the development of science and technology, and various new technical means and materials for printing three-dimensional graphics have appeared recently. The need for cartographic materials for the visually impaired is great, and so there is an urgent need for the approved methodology for tactile maps and 3D models creation, which could be used as a standard to provide educational institutions, municipalities, and other organizations working with visually challenged people with tactile cartographic materials. Recommendations on the use of map symbols and design of tactile maps are given in the article. The recommendations are based on the research carried out on the grounds of Novosibirsk Regional Special Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired and devoted to tactile perception of map symbols by various groups of blind and visually impaired users. The technology of making tactile maps is currently based on processing of images in graphic editors regardless of the geodata storage and processing systems, is labor-consuming and imposes high demands on professional skills of cartographers. The use of geoinformation systems will make it possible to automate the process of creating tactile maps in many respects. The authors’ recommendations can be the basis when developing functional requirements to software that ensures GIS options integration with automated preparation of tactile maps and other special cartographic materials for the blind and visually impaired.