Mapping Indoor Spaces to Support Blind and Visually Impaired People

The present study focuses on methods for supporting the orientation of blind and visually impaired people within public buildings. Various innovative navigation solutions are reviewed, including principal mapping approaches and systems based on artificial intelligence. Based on the identified challenges and the specific needs of visually impaired users, the authors propose the development of tactile maps incorporating Braille labels in accordance with an established standard. A tactile floor plan of a building was developed using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), 3D-printing technology featuring marked locations and dimensions that comply with standard requirements. The selected method offers rapid production at relatively low cost, thereby facilitating the mapping of a larger number of public buildings. Future work will include an analysis and evaluation of the map’s tactile usability and suitability for practical application.