National Geographic Information Institute Provides Braille Maps for Schools for the Blind and Subways for Visually Impaired

by Roh Kyungjo

Published 03 Jul.2024 06:00(KST)

The National Geographic Information Institute of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that starting from the 3rd, it will provide nationwide braille evacuation maps for schools for the blind and braille subway route maps for Daejeon, Daegu, and Gwangju.

Braille map example of subway lines / Image provided by National Geographic Information Institute

The braille subway route maps aim to support the mobility convenience of visually impaired individuals and to provide accurate spatial information and non-discriminatory services. Location information such as administrative districts and surrounding administrative boundaries, as well as subway route information, are expressed using braille symbols and braille spacing. This allows visually impaired subway users, who mainly rely on audio and experience, to understand the overall shape and location of the subway routes.

The National Geographic Information Institute explained that when producing the braille subway route maps, they considered the shape, length, and amount of information of the subway routes. According to the opinions of experts on visual impairment, information is delivered in the order of administrative district → subway routes within the administrative district → subway route maps by line. In the second half of this year, they plan to create braille subway route maps for Busan. Going forward, they plan to continuously collect feedback from actual visually impaired users and experts to expand production nationwide, including the metropolitan area.

The braille evacuation maps for disasters were created to help new students at schools for the blind more easily recognize spatial information about their schools, based on evacuation maps received from school officials. They express information such as major facilities within the school, entrances, stairs, as well as fire hydrants and evacuation routes using braille symbols, enabling visually impaired students to move more safely in case of a disaster within the school.

The National Geographic Information Institute stated that the colors were chosen as high contrast (white letters on a blue background) reflecting the opinions of low-vision individuals. Since the maps are in booklet form, they can also be used as educational support materials to improve spatial awareness for students at schools for the blind.

The braille maps produced and printed this time will be distributed free of charge to 26 institutions, including schools for the blind nationwide and braille libraries. Printable files can be downloaded by anyone from the National Geographic Information Institute’s website.

Jo Wooseok, Director of the National Geographic Information Institute, said, "By using braille maps, visually impaired people can acquire location information about their residential areas and schools for the blind and move safely," adding, "We will continue to do our best to create a social environment where visually impaired people can enjoy a life without discrimination through the production of braille maps containing various spatial information."