How to make tactile maps

The graphics for tactile maps on this website are intended for use with microcapsule paper (swell paper). This process is available in many establishments which provide facilities for blind people. In the United Kingdom, a raised image service for producing tactile diagrams for this process is available from RNIB. Contact Customer liaison team, Production services, RNIB, PO Box 173, Peterborough PE2 6WS. Phone 01733 375113 or 0845 702 3153. Their web page about Accessing course material for students (Word document) has further details, their page on the Technology of producing tactile images also has factsheets in Word and Text formats.

Also see RNIB general page on tactile graphics

From RNIB website www.rnib.org.uk/ follow tabs or menu items in order:
Professionals
Accessible information
Accessible formats
Accessible images
Tactile graphics
Production methods.

The process in summary is:

Print the pdf file
Copy onto swell paper
Heat to raise the black portions of the image.

The maps are Portable Document Format (pdf) which can be printed using the free Acrobat Reader. Adobe also have a text-only version of the reader download page.

A single copy of this page can be made by or for any individual user. If you wish to make multiple copies or modifications, please contact David Hawgood - email david at hawgood dot com - I will normally give permission but I wish to know what use is being made of the maps. I also welcome comments.