🌏 Ever wondered how geography feels? Thanks to China’s first large-scale tactile maps, visually impaired students and travelers can now “see” the world with their fingertips! Ahead of International White Cane Day on October 15, the China Braille Library unveiled two groundbreaking resources: the Accessible Map of China 🗺️ and the Accessible Map of the World.
These aren’t your average printouts. Using advanced digital Braille printing technology, the maps feature raised textures that mark provincial borders, major landmarks, continents, and oceans. Publishers followed national geographic standards and Braille conventions to make sure every bump and line accurately conveys the real world.
Picture exploring the ancient Silk Road route or tracing Amazon River curves—all by touch! These tactile maps not only break accessibility barriers, they also open up new ways for young professionals, students, and explorers to connect with global geography.
And that’s not all. The Palace Museum teamed up with the China Disabled Persons' Federation to launch two tactile treasure books: “Touch the Treasures of the Palace Museum” and “Touching Along the River During Qingming Festival”. 👑📖
With these innovations, China is setting an inclusive standard in mapmaking—one that inspires creativity, independence, and curiosity for everyone. Who’s ready to go on a tactile adventure? 🤝
Reference(s):
China releases 1st batch of accessible maps for visually impaired users
cgtn.com