User-friendly durable Braille maps for visually challenged students

Visually challenged students can now have access to Braille Maps using modern technology. The map can help such students in several ways with ease and comfort.

Announcing this major scientific development, the Ministry of Science & Technology, said, “Visually challenged students from all over the country will have the access soon to Braille Maps designed and developed using Digital Embossing Technology, enabling them for ease of use, user-friendly, better feeling and durable in terms of quality.”

It added, “The digital embossing technology is a technology which eliminates the need for printing plates, moulds, chemicals, and solvents, emitting no pollutants or waste and reduces overall energy usage. This innovative technology has been introduced, designed and implemented first time in India by National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) functioning as the Attached Office of the Department of Science & Technology.”

It also informs that the maps produced using this technology is not only useful for high-speed production of the maps but can also produce Braille Maps that can be used by more people for years together.

“It has been experienced that the maps produced with earlier technology have lost its readability and feeling experience within a very short span of time,” the Ministry said adding that in this regard, it is also to mention that feedback from experts and students of the Braille community has encouraged and motivated us to prepare the low-cost state-of-art product in terms of reduction of volume of the atlas, enhancement of the readability features, ease of carrying the maps and atlas etc.”