2.5 Generalisation

2.5 Generalisation

For the reasons described above, the level of generalisation of maps for the blind and visually impaired is far-reaching and leads to solutions not found in traditional cartography for the sighted.

When creating maps, it is important to consider what amount of information on the map will be possible for a blind learner to read and remember.

When adapting maps from textbooks it will most often be necessary to increase the format of the map, to replace the signatures used on maps for the blind, and to supplement inscriptions in colour print with Braille inscriptions, or to replace them with Braille inscriptions or abbreviations compatible with this study. If this is not enough to make the map readable, it is necessary to divide the content of the map into several maps, or to generalise the map, leaving on it only the information necessary to understand the topic of the lesson. It may also be necessary to change the mapping to a more blind-friendly one. The participation of the geography teacher in the map adaptation process should be considered essential.