Tactile Map Automated Production Project Enhances Opportunities and Independence for People with Visual Impairments

Joshua Miele obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics and his Ph.D. in Psychoacoustics from the University of California at Berkeley. Currently, Dr. Miele is a post doctoral fellow at the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute in San Francisco, where he is investigating the practical applications of tactile maps and auditory displays for blind and visually impaired populations.

In 2003, Dr. Miele initiated the Tactile Map Automated Production (TMAP) project to make tactile street maps available to individuals who could not access printed ones. The goals of TMAP were to devise a production method that would yield high quality maps in a cost effective and time efficient manner, while producing diagrams that were simple but useful, so they would be easy to interpret even when scaled to accommodate smaller paper sizes.

TMAP provides an accessible Web-based interface where customizable tactile street maps of any area in the US can be obtained. The user can select an intersection or address and specify the size and location parameters for the map they wish to create. The map file and related key information are immediately downloaded using Geographical Information System (GIS) data, which is available free of charge through the US Census Bureau. Once the map has been compiled on-screen, any graphics-capable Braille embosser can be used to produce it in raised-line form. In order to avoid excessive tactile clutter, maps are automatically adjusted according to the paper size they are being printed on. For instance, a larger area that is being embossed on a smaller surface may only include major streets and landmarks, a particular route of travel, or significant points of interest (such as bus stops or the user’s destination).

Once a user registers with the TMAP website, their various preferences, including their parameters for map scaling, paper size, embosser type, default starting point intersection or address, and the types of labels they prefer (raised printed letters, first grade Braille, or second grade Braille) are stored on the server. In addition, a history list that contains all of their previously generated maps is retained, so that frequently needed images can be easily recalled and reprinted. Context sensitive help is also available to assist with the map creation and customization processes.

The potential applications of TMAP for educators, orientation and mobility instructors, researchers, and blind individuals who wish to enhance their independence by becoming more aware of their surroundings are numerous. Future features of TMAP will include the embossing of maps by third-party Braille producers (for those who do not have Braille embossers), a telephone-based interface (for those who lack computer proficiency) and the ability to generate maps of much larger geographic areas (such as overviews of highway networks or whole cities). They system even has the ability to integrate existing TMAP technologies with touch-sensitive tactile tablets, so that more extensive information can be provided in auditory form.