Abstract
The present experiment was to investigate which map would better help an early blind person to walk correctly in a new locale, a large model (a scale of 1: 40) or a small model (a scale of 1: 1000). Large models were made with 4 plastic poles designating 4 points of the locale. Subjects were asked to walk from the 1st to the 4th point sequentially, while tracing strings connecting each pole. Small models were tactile maps. Early blind and blindfolded sighted subjects learned the models, then walked on the locale. Sighted subjects showed correct distance estimation and small angle error for models, and correct course selection at walking. Blind subjects' performance were worse than sighted subjects. An especially large number of errors in the course selection were recorded after the subjects experienced one of the small models. The poor translating ability from one modality (tactile) to another modality (walking) was discussed, also the usefulness of the large model for Orientation and Mobility was discussed.
