Tactile Atlas of Switzerland

I enjoy making fun of the sometimes cultish nature of the Esri User Conference. However, among the over-hyped items there is a really useful map for the visually impaired on display.

Have you ever wondered how to explore a map with your fingertips? Check out the #tactile #atlas at #icc2017dc #cartography for the #blind pic.twitter.com/EmnHejAneb

— Anna Vetter (@Carto_Anna) July 5, 2017

Created by Anna Vetter of Esri Switzerland, the map uses minimal and well separated details so the user can feel their way around the country without being confused with too much conflicting information. More good pictures from Twitter can be seen here,

This is remarkable. A 350-page map of Switzerland for the visually impaired. The whole country represented in textures, geometries, braille. pic.twitter.com/uMsB0I9YtO

— Wayne Chambliss (@rwchambliss) July 9, 2017

and here, where you can see it in action at the conference.

So crazy-proud of you, @Carto_Anna! Your work is such a hit here at #esriUC pic.twitter.com/w9zdBfWiX1

— Edie Punt (@epunt) July 11, 2017

Esri has put together a nice online version of the map. You can't feel it but you can pan, zoom and get the visual idea.

The legend shows the wonderful simplicity of the maps.