Designing Haptic Feedback and Auditory Methods to Access Maps for the Blind

Presenter Information

Flint Million, Minnesota State University Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

18-4-2016 10:00 AM

End Date

18-4-2016 11:30 AM

Student's Major

Computer Information Science

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Guarionex Salivia

Mentor's Department

Computer Information Science

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

Individuals who are blind or visually impaired face numerous challenges when it comes to accessing visual information. One type of information which presents significant challenges to blind or visually impaired people is geographic maps. GIS software solutions such as ArcGIS are commonly used to provide insight into data based on geographic features and/or political delineations. In this project we explore the use of haptic feedback as a method to assist blind individuals in accessing and interpreting map data. We designed a prototype application using an Android tablet which can present information on a map both via haptic feedback as well as via speech and sound effects. We plan to connect the application with ArcGIS so a blind individual could independently create and then access various maps and statistical analyses.