Expansion of Enabling Space for People with Visual Impairments Utilizing Geospatial Information: Case Study of Verbal Mapmaking by a Volunteer Group in Tokyo

Abstract

Recently, geospatial information has been expected to play an important role in providing technological support for the travel of people with visual impairments. However, excessive expectations risk falling into optimistic technical determinism. To develop measures for supporting travel behavior, it is necessary to define an alternative framework.

This study had two objectives. The first was to consider how to create “enabling space” for people with visual impairments using geospatial information. The second was to investigate the potential and challenges of supporting travel with geospatial information technology, with a focus on the relationships among space, technology, and the body. The subject of the research was the activity of making “verbal maps,” as carried out by a nonprofit organization called Kotoba-No-Michiannai in Tokyo. We performed a content analysis of 1,692 verbal maps, interviewed members of Kotoba-No-Michiannai, and conducted participant observations of mapmaking activity.

The results are summarized as follows: 1) While the development of information and communication technology has allowed the visualization of geospatial information, Kotoba-No-Michiannai makes verbal maps to support travel for people with visual impairments by representing information on fixtures that are recognized through touch such as tactile paving. 2) Since information is of little benefit if it is merely listed on the map, the information must be conveyed in an orderly manner. To avoid concentrating the attention of people with visual impairments on specific objects, verbal maps are designed to emphasize expanses of space by using words and phrases such as “station yard” and “sidewalk” frequently. 3) However, in spaces where there are no fixtures, it is difficult for verbal maps to fulfill their function and they impose physical burdens on people with visual impairments. Therefore, it is suggested that mere technological innovation is not sufficient to support travel, but creating spaces where technology can function effectively is necessary.