Tactile maps are commonly used to give visually impaired users access to geographical representations. Although those relief maps are efficient tools for acquisition of spatial knowledge, they present several limitations and issues such as the need to read braille. Several research projects have been led during the past three decades in order to improve access to maps using interactive technologies. In this chapter, we present an exhaustive review of interactive map prototypes. We classified existing interactive maps into two categories: Digital Interactive Maps (DIMs) that are displayed on a flat surface such as a screen; and Hybrid Interactive Maps (HIMs) that include both a digital and a physical representation. In each family, we identified several subcategories depending on the technology being used. We compared the categories and subcategories according to cost, availability and technological limitations, but also in terms of content, comprehension and interactivity. Then we reviewed a number of studies showing that those maps can support spatial learning for visually impaired users. Finally, we identified new technologies and methods that could improve the accessibility of graphics for visually impaired users in the future.
翻译:虽然这些解析地图是获取空间知识的有效工具,但它们提出了若干限制和问题,例如需要读读盲文。在过去三十年中,为改进利用交互式技术获取地图的机会,我们领导了若干研究项目。在本章中,我们介绍了对交互式地图原型的详尽审查。我们将现有的交互式地图分为两类:数字互动地图(DIMS),显示在屏幕等平面上;混合互动地图(HIMS),包括数字和物理代表。我们根据使用的技术确定了几个子类别。我们根据成本、可用性和技术限制对类别和子类别进行了比较,但也在内容、理解和互动方面进行了比较。然后我们审查了一些研究,表明这些地图可以支持视障用户的空间学习。最后,我们确定了新的技术和方法,可以改善视障用户今后获取图形的机会。