National Geographic Talking Tactile Atlas of the World

The National Geographic Talking Tactile Atlas of the World is a collection of 43 audio and tactile maps with accompanying software designed for people who are blind or have low vision. The Atlas is used in conjunction with the Talking Tactile Tablet 2 (TTT). The Atlas allows individuals who cannot access printed material to explore maps and learn about the geopolitical world. Users place one of the raised line, textured and color printed map sheets on the TTT, and then press on various regions and points to hear human-voice identifications of each feature. A main menu” is accessed by pressing tactile control icons on the side of the map sheet. This offers options providing in-depth information, historical timelines, facts, language samples and a distance calculator. The Index tool permits the user to scroll through an alphabetical listing of all places represented in the Atlas. The user can select a desired place name and the system serves as an audio coach, guiding the user’s hand to the requested destination on the map. This accommodation enables individuals to independently locate places of interest on a map.

The Talking Tactile Atlas of the World has been created in collaboration with the staff of National Geographic Society Maps Division, which supplied base maps and cartographic direction to the development team.

Includes: 43 silk screen printed, tactile maps depicting The World, The Solar System, continents, continental regions and five United States Regions, application software, and application guide.