Using a Sonified Topographic Approach to Communicate Spatial Information to People with Visual Impairments

Abstract

This study implemented tactile interfaces with audio representations to convey spatial information on topographic maps. Two sound variables, pitch and duration, were incorporated with contour lines to represent various aspects of topographic features such as elevation, slope, profile, and landform. The effect of one sound variable (pitch) vs. a combination of two sound variables (pitch and duration) on topographic map interpretation was evaluated. Participants explored the tutorial through the iFeel mouse and answered a series of map quiz questions afterward. The results indicated that this approach provided a multisensory access to information, thus allowing them to explore and correctly answer questions pertaining to aspects of topographic maps. However, using one or two sound variables had almost the same effect in the slope, profile, and landform determination.

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