Semi-automatic development of thematic tactile maps

ABSTRACT Tactile cartography has always been a niche topic, but even among tactile cartographers, little attention has been paid to thematic tactile maps. Thematic maps are used in education and the lack of such materials makes it difficult to fulfill particular subjects’ curriculums. In this research, we propose a methodology for automatic compilation of legible and cartographically sound educational thematic tactile maps that bases on the concept of anchor layers and uses unequivocal parameters for generalization operators. Using such an approach we were able to automate the most complicated parts of the procedure that deal particularly with the generalization of geospatial data. We verify the proposed methodology by preparing a sample case study 3D printed map that is later evaluated by students with visual impairments. We also evaluate a novel approach of hybrid map production that consists of both graphic and tactile content. Our results suggest that the proposed methodology can be used for fast and repeatable production of fully fledged thematic tactile maps and that it forms a significant step toward completely automatic tactile maps development in the future.