The Tactile Inkjet Mapping Project (TIMP) printer, which uses ink-jet technology to create tactile maps, has proved a desirable new alternative to traditional methods for producing tactile maps. This is due to reduced production times and digital connectivity compared with thermoform, and the robustness, durability and diversity of its output compared to microcapsule paper. Despite these advances, tactile map design remains time consuming, often requiring specialist skills developed over many years. Considerable numbers of researchers have published tactile map design guidelines. In most cases there is much agreement between them, but the extent to which guidelines are actually used, particularly by non-professionals is debatable.
This paper proposes a solution that might encourage greater uptake of guidelines and improve consistency amongst designers. It involves developing a software model in stages called the Unique Tactile Map (UTM), which incorporates many of the outcomes of TIMP research and ultimately also GIS . Initially it will comprise an assistive ‘free-hand’ design tool involving drag and drop facilities, drawing on a palette of symbols known to be discriminable and applying a basic understanding of the way symbols work in combination. This will pass through stages of increasing complexity, until the software will eventually constitute a fully expert design engine. It will generate automatic tactile output based on user needs, tactually accessible graphics and defined tactile map design principles directly from a digital spatial data source. It is hoped that combined with the advantages of the TIMP printer such software will improve tactile map quality and availability.
Prior knowledge of topic assumed: Low
Contains advanced technical content: No
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