The aim of this article is to determine whether the process of memorizing a tactile map key, or legend, can be improved by including three-dimensional (3D) symbols produced by means of 3D Printing. The method used in this study involved asking a group of 20 volunteers with different profiles to memorize eight tactile symbols from two keys, each of which had different characteristics: Key 2 included 3D tactile symbols and Key 1 had only two-dimensional (2D) tactile symbols. Results show statistically significant differences between the two keys. Use of Key 2 yielded a 48.72% reduction in the number of errors compared to Key 1 (N = 20, p-value = .014). These data show that combining 3D with flat relief symbols (2D) improves the process of memorizing a tactile key because the 3D attributes can be distinguished from the 2D features by touch. For practitioners, this article provides data about the possibilities of 3D Printing applied to tactile maps, keys, and symbols.

This paper shows an experiment with tactile maps designed for visually impaired persons. Tests were carried out on a tactile map produced with 3D printing and including a new type of tactile symbols, volumetric symbols (3D). These symbols are localized faster than conventional flat relief symbols, with the same error rate, an improvement in the use of these tactile devices. Moreover, following tests, differences were found between types of participants with blind participants generally carrying out the proposed tasks better than the rest of usersPostprint (published version

This article presents a pilot study conducted in Barcelona with blind and visually-impaired people. The aim was to analyze the use and efficacy of tactile maps produced by means of 3D printing. For this purpose, structured interviews were used, along with direct observation, the creation of cognitive maps and tasks with prototypes. The aim has been to examine the instrumental and communicative value of these products in terms of interpreting, memorizing and understanding a certain urban route, comparing this with experience in situ, focusing on the difficulties faced by the visually disabled when visiting new places. Findings show the utility of this type of technique in aiding visually disabled users to memorize routes. As a limitation, this study shows that tactile maps are not wholly efficient since they require verbal support, which makes it hard for them to be used autonomously.