Tactile Atlas of Switzerland

View Live Map

Why we love it

The Tactile Atlas of Switzerland gives people with visual impairment access to quality cartography. We love this approach to understanding geography. The tactile maps are made to be touched rather than seen. Raised symbols provide tangible differentiation for each feature. The atlas shares the sense of place in a new way for those unable to read traditional maps. Its methodology paves the way for the development of more tactile maps representing other areas and various themes around the globe. 

Why it works

The usual rules do not apply when you want your map to be readable by fingertips rather than eyes. Symbols must be bigger and spaced wider than dictated by traditional map standards. Cartographically, it’s not advisable to portray data at a scale larger than it was captured to avoid implying more precision than is accurate. In the case of the Tactile Atlas, that is exactly what was done to ensure an adequately thin distribution of features. Too many features too close together, or with too much complexity, would be difficult to discern by touch. 

Important steps

  • Choose large symbols the reader can touch

    Determine which layers to include together on each map type, and choose how to symbolize them. Choose large monochromatic symbols that can be distinguished by touch.
    Learn ways of modifying symbolization

  • Reduce the complexity by spacing features out

    Generalize the data if necessary, to reduce complexity in line work, and ensure enough white space between discrete features.
    Overview of the generalization toolset

  • Label sparingly using Braille

    Label features sparingly with large labels in Braille. Develop a glossary of abbreviations if necessary, by adding an attribute field of abbreviations and generating a report. Divide the maps into a cohesive map series atlas.
    Learn the labeling basics of maps
    Create a report in ArcGIS
    Learn about map series

  • Print your map for its best function

    Print the hardcopy atlas pages with a special printer and special paper. The paper swells when the ink reacts with heat in the printer to produce raised tactile features and labels.
    How to print your map
previous
Next

Requirements

  • Data and software

    Swiss Map Vector 500 data is provided by Federal Office of Topography, swisstopo. Software used: ArcGIS Desktop.
    Swiss Map Vector 500
    Federal Office of Topography Swisstopo

  • Analysis

    Data layers were extracted from the database, and further generalized if necessary. A field was added in the attribute table to contain abbreviations for labeling.
    An overview of fields

  • Time

    The maps took many iterations after evaluations by visually impaired map readers. Refinements included improvements to the abbreviation dictionary and numbers appended to the abbreviations. The whole took approximately seven days to complete.
previous
Next

Tips and tricks

  • Make labels simple, large and include a glossary

    Limit labels and reduce those shown to simple two-letter abbreviations allowing Braille text to be shown no smaller than 21-point size. Create an abbreviation glossary as a companion.

  • Make symbols large and distinct

    Use large, distinctly shaped point symbols.

  • Space symbols out

    Space symbol details, such as railway hatches, far enough apart to be easily discernible by touch.
previous
Next

Resources

previous
Next
Headshot of Anna Vetter, cartographer

Map Author

Anna Vetter

As a cartographer at Esri Switzerland, I love to design compelling maps and visualizations and to work on exceptional projects such as the tactile maps.

Related maps

If you liked this map, check out these other Maps We Love that explore similar topics.

previous
Next

Learn more about making maps in ArcGIS Online

Learn more