Mapping Audio and Tactile Variables: A concatenated study to find inclusive correspondences for visual variables in geographic maps

The purpose of this research was to understand current geographic mapping paradigms, expose barriers faced by people who cannot rely on visual perception in the map reading experience, and propose a framework for designing maps to address these barriers. The study involved literature review, environmental scan, semi-structured interviews, surveys, and co-design with a variety of stakeholders. At each stage of the research auditory and tactile correlates for the visual variables used in geographic maps were documented and the results were synthesized into a framework referred to here as the VATmap (visual, audio, tactile) model. The framework can be used as a reference for designers and educators by suggesting strategies for communicating geographic information beyond visual display through a combination of visual, audio, and tactile map representations.