Maritime Buoyage on 3D-Printed Tactile Maps

Abstract

Our objective is to conceive 3D-printed maritime maps accessible with visual impairment. Since sea marks are critical elements of the maritime spatial cognition, we determined different shapes to print buoyage along a co-conception process. Our current concern is to adjust the minimum size of each buoy to be easily recognizable by touch. Taking into account previous findings, we set up an experimental design inspired by the opticians Monoyer scale. More precisely, participants are asked to successively identify in-line shapes decreasing by size). Preliminary co-conception feedbacks suggest to print 5mm elements to reduce the time to recognize different buoys and minimize cognitive load during explorations.