Magdaléna KOZÁKOVÁ, Vít VOŽENÍLEK

Tematická informace na tyflomapách

Kozáková, M., Voženílek, V.: Thematic information in tactile maps. Kartografické listy, 2009, 17, 3 figs., 1 tab., 14 refs.

Abstract: The paper presents a joint research activity of specialists on digital maps and specialists-education of the visually impaired people. The authors seek to evaluate and develop aspects of interpretation and perception of geospace by modern tactile maps (maps specially made for visually impaired people) based on 3D printing. The basic principle of a tactile map (also known as a raised or embossed map) is to present an extremely simple version of a visual image, but modern method of 3D printing brings new possibilities for details and opens new dimensions for tactile cartography especially for thematic information. Thematic tactile maps are minimally used and designed and authors test new possibilities how to improve. Testing of new map keys, map layouts, haptic measures , and cartograms made by 3D print are main aims. The paper treats a number of particular research topics such as analysis of the present Czech and foreign tactile maps, user demand analysis, testing 3D printer capabilities, producing new type tactile maps, testing new type tactile maps by blind users.

Keywords: tactile maps, thematic tactile cartography, 3D printer