Creating tactile and audio maps for people who are blind
Official title: Maps as a service: A systematic approach to the production of tactile and audio/vibrational maps for visually impaired users
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-10917311 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making maps easier to use for people who are blind, using touch and sound to help them get around and feel more confident in new places.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $355,241 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035433-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917311 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are blind or visually impaired and seek to improve their navigation skills.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are fully sighted or have no interest in using tactile or audio mapping tools may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing accessible maps for individuals who are blind, using tactile and audio/vibrational formats to enhance mobility and spatial awareness. By creating a systematic approach to map production, the project aims to provide blind users with tools that improve their navigation in unfamiliar environments. The methodology includes pre-journey learning opportunities, where users can explore these maps to better understand their surroundings. The project also seeks to standardize the symbols used in tactile maps to ensure consistency and usability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the independence and confidence of blind individuals when navigating new environments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using tactile and audio mapping techniques for enhancing spatial awareness in blind individuals, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Manduchi, Roberto — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Manduchi, Roberto
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.