Inclusive Cartographic Design: Overcoming Ocular-Centric Cartographies

Lobben, Amy; Brittell, Megen E.; Perdue, Nicholas A.

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-17738-0_7

Cited by 4 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…UD advocates that design (of products, environments, media, etc.) should be accessible to everyone regardless of ability, disability, age, size, gender, and so on (Lobben, Brittell, and Perdue 2015). Therefore, a map designed in line with UD principles would be usable whether or not the user is B/ LV or sighted.…”

Section: R E L a T E D W O R K Evaluati N G Tacti Le Mapsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multivalent Cartographic Accessibility: Tactile Maps for Collaborative Decision-Making

Cole

2023

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Conventional visual maps present significant accessibility challenges for blind or low vision users, leaving them with few or no options for interpreting spatial data. This need not be the case: tactile maps, designed to be read through touch, have been published for more than a century. But they have most often been categorized as a navigation tool, or mere “tactile graphics” (i.e., not as expressly spatial documents). Tactile maps that allow their users to explore and synthesize thematic spatial data are rare, as are studies evaluating them. As our world continues to face existential threats that are spatial in nature—pandemics, supply chain disruptions, floods, etc.—maps will continue to provide critical information in ways that other media are unable to match. In the absence of accessible thematic maps, blind people will not only be left out of the loop, but their capacity for contributing valuable input will be severely diminished. In response, I describe here a study that evaluates the potential of thematic tactile maps for providing blind users an accessible means of analyzing spatial data when working in collaboration with sighted partners. Findings indicate that while the maps did not prove to be useful tools on their own, they did facilitate collaboration between blind or low vision participants and sighted participants. This suggests that, with some refinements, similar maps could be feasibly distributed as a means for people with visual disabilities to meaningfully participate in an otherwise inaccessible process that requires the synthesis of thematic spatial information.

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Section: R E L a T E D W O R K Evaluati N G Tacti Le Mapsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multivalent Cartographic Accessibility: Tactile Maps for Collaborative Decision-Making

Cole

2023

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“…In practice, the dominance of visual maps in print and on computer screens has lead to a scarcity of alternative cartographic display techniques and a reduction in accessibility of geospatial data, particularly for people with disabilities [53]. As noted in the context of multidimensional astronomy data, however, auditory display enhanced both accessibility for researchers who are blind, and conveyed patterns beyond those apparent in visual displays [25,54].…”

Section: Reference Content Domain (System) Location Attributementioning

confidence: 99%

Seeking a Reference Frame for Cartographic Sonification

Brittell¹

2018

Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Auditory Display - ICAD 2018

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Sonification of geospatial data must situate data values in two (or three) dimensional space. The need to position data values in space distinguishes geospatial data from other multi-dimensional data sets. While cartographers have extensive experience preparing geospatial data for visual display, the use of sonification is less common. Beyond availability of tools or visual bias, an incomplete understanding of the implications of parameter mappings that cross conceptual data categories limits the application of sonification to geospatial data. To catalyze the use of audio in cartography, this paper explores existing examples of parameter mapping sonification through the framework of the geographic data cube. More widespread adoption of auditory displays would diversify map design techniques, enhance accessibility of geospatial data, and may also provide new perspective for application to non-geospatial data sets.

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“…Whist standards and guidelines support consistency within the creation of tactile maps, they also introduce some difficulties. These standards must be generalised so that they are applicable to a wide range of map products and this is often impractical (Lobben et al, 2015;Nicolle & Abascal, 2001). Researchers state that above all other considerations, readability is the most important cartographic principle of constructing a tactile map.…”

Section: Standards In Tactile Mappingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…User involvement advocates for the inclusion of users in product design early and often (Holmes, 2018). The value and importance of user involvement in the design and production of map products has only recently been recognised in the cartographic community (Lobben et al, 2015). Within the cartographic community, the perspective of researchers has been brought into question (Perkins, 2002).…”

Section: Inclusive Designmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The recent change in perspective has led to more research into tactile maps and mapping, for example research into symbology (Brittell, et al, 2018;Jehoel et al, 2005;Lawrence & Lobben, 2011;Rowell & Ungar, 2003b). However, much of the research into tactile mapping has been reactive, focused on the translation of visually presented maps into their tactile counterparts (Lobben et al, 2015). Much of the tactile mapping research has placed a significant focus on creating standards and guidelines for tactile map production (Lobben, 2015;Rowell & Ungar, 2003b), and very few publications suggest that individuals who are blind or have low vision should participate in the design of tactile maps (Gardiner & Perkins, 2002).…”

Section: Inclusive Designmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Understanding Data Selection in Tactile Mapping: An Inclusive Design Approach

Davidson¹

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According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 285 million people are visually impaired, globally. In New Zealand, it is estimated that 150,000 people have low vision and approximately 30,000 individuals are blind. Tactile maps are graphical representations of geographic information read through touch. Research has found that tactile maps effectivelycontribute to the development of a blind or low vision navigator’s cognitive map. Tactile maps are useful tools, they are used to develop spatial awareness of remote locations and they improve retained knowledge of surrounding environments. Data selection is the process of determining the necessary information to include on a map, it is key in tactile mapping. Tactile maps require substantial generalisation as the discrimination of the finger is less than the eye. When constructing a tactile map, if data is incorrectly selected, the map can become difficult for a navigator to use. Past tactile mapping research has found that current standards lack necessary data selection recommendations. This research consisted of two interview sessions in which participants who were blind or low vision were asked about their opinions and experiences with tactile maps, and their data selection preferences. Thematic analysis of the initial interview sessions revealed the value participants placed on tactile maps and their preferences. Four sample tactile maps were presented during the second interview sessions. The association between data selection and tactile map usability was assessed via usability analysis. Based on the ISO 9241-11:2018 guide definition preferences (satisfaction), time taken (efficiency), and task success (effectiveness) were key metrics. The research found that tactile maps remain a valuable product in the blind and low vision community. Participants value the choice, independence, and improved spatial ability that tactile maps provide. Data selection, however, was not associated with tactile map usability. However, in this research, participants preferred sample tactile maps that included intersection information, including street and road names, crossing type, and intersection type. Thematic analysis identified the importance of data currency, future research could explore this further. More generally, this research recommends investigating techniques to communicate changing spatial information to blind and low vision navigators.

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Inclusive Cartographic Design: Overcoming Ocular-Centric Cartographies

Cited by 4 publications

References 19 publications

Multivalent Cartographic Accessibility: Tactile Maps for Collaborative Decision-Making

Multivalent Cartographic Accessibility: Tactile Maps for Collaborative Decision-Making

Seeking a Reference Frame for Cartographic Sonification

Understanding Data Selection in Tactile Mapping: An Inclusive Design Approach

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