3d Printing Technology in Tactile Maps Compiling

The paper presents a joint research activity of specialists on digital maps and specialistseducation of the blind. The authors seek to evaluate and develop aspects of interpretation and perception of geospace by modern tactile maps based on 3D printing. There are three newly introduced types of tactile maps (all coloured). Map of type A is a tactile map printed by 3D printing technology (Contex 3D printers) as traditional relief tactile map with 5 mm thick background using both positive and negative relief with labelling by Braille letters. Map of type B is an inverse form of tactile map printed by 3D printing technology which will be used for casting type A tactile maps. Finally map of type C is a sound tactile map derived from map of type A posed onto box with digital voice records of geoinformation (attributes, navigations etc.) activated by touch on maps surface. The paper also describes present situation in tactile maps production and steps in recent testing the new type maps. The paper treats a number of particular research topics such as analysis of the present Czech and foreign tactile maps, user demand analysis, testing 3D printer capabilities, producing new type tactile maps, testing new type tactile maps by blind users etc. INTRODUCTION Present modern information-based society offers many possibilities for visualisation of geospace using the latest information technologies. Geospace (geographic space) is defined as a part of landscape environment determined by places of human activities influence on