Overview
Few of us ponder the mechanisms behind our eyes. We simply expect them to capture the world around us. But for many people, injuries, illnesses, aging, and other health issues can hinder their ability to see and navigate their world. When it comes to maps, assistive technology can only do so much, often lacking the subtle nuances of a landscape, changes in elevation, or the presence of nearby bodies of water. This lack of a geographical overview impedes not only exploration of unfamiliar neighborhoods but also a more general geospatial understanding of local, regional, and international phenomena. Tactile maps can be life-changing for people with visual impairments, offering them greater independence and inclusion. Yet much of the research done in the field of education for the blind has remained inaccessible to a broader audience.Tactile Mapping: Cartography for People with Visual Impairmentsaims to bridge this gap by exploring the subject from a multidisciplinary perspective, illustrating cartographic theory with real-life case studies and user stories. A collaboration by skilled professionals, domain experts, and people with visual impairments,Tactile Mappingoffers fresh insights from three perspectives: user experience, scientific research, and practical implementation. Through this collection of expert-written chapters, case studies, and user stories, cartographers and other geographic practitioners can gain new insights into the foundations and methods of presenting geographic information for greater accessibility. Topics include: The role of maps in shaping our perception of the world Best practices in tactile map design, including an understanding of tactile perception Complex geographic data and the importance of abstraction, generalization, and content selection The need for map design processes to be user centered Different output media for tangible maps and geographic models Cartography not only helps us better understand the world but also helps us convey that knowledge to others. Tactile Mapping: Cartography for People with Visual Impairmentsexplains and demonstrates how mapmakers can and are being intentional and inclusive with their designs.
Full Product Details
Author: Vincent van Altena ,
Jakub Wabiski
Publisher: ESRI Press
Imprint: ESRI Press
Edition: New edition
ISBN: 9781589488359
ISBN 10: 1589488350
Pages: 270
Publication Date: 25 September 2025
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
General/trade
,
Professional & Vocational
,
General
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Available To Order
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Author Information
Dr. Vincent van Altena, Senior Researcher at Kadaster (the Netherlands), is a geospatial expert with a background in theology and GIS. He leads the Dutch initiative on tactile mapping and is co-chair of the International Cartographic Association (ICA) Working Group on Inclusive Cartography. In his free time, Vincent enjoys music and cooking. Dr. Jakub Wabiński, Assistant Professor at the Military University of Technology in Warsaw, Poland, is a co-chair of the International Cartography Association (ICA) Working Group on Inclusive Cartography. Jakub, whose research focuses on tactile map design, has a background in geospatial engineering and a passion for novel geovisualization methods. In his free time, Jakub enjoys board games and exploring the outdoors.
