Tactile Map

Name: Tactile Map - SignXpress India
Brand: SignXpress India

SignXpress India has taken an initiative on Social Cause, Mandatory to provide Barrier-free accessibility in Schools-Colleges’ Buildings for Vision Impaired – Blind people.

Customized Acrylic Tactile Map | Matt Finish | SIGNXPRESS INDIA

Overview

In today’s inclusive world, making every space accessible to everyone is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. Yet, for people who are visually impaired or blind, navigating unfamiliar buildings remains one of the biggest daily challenges. That’s why a Tactile Map is more than just a tool — it’s a lifeline.

At SignXpress India, we specialize in designing and manufacturing high-quality tactile maps that make it easy for the visually impaired to understand and move through spaces independently. Whether it’s tactile maps of the school building, tactile maps for the visually impaired, tactile maps for blinds, or advanced 3D tactile maps, we create solutions that bring confidence and clarity to those who need it most.

What is a Tactile Map?

A tactile map is a physical map that can be read by touch. It uses raised lines, textures, and Braille to represent the layout of a space. These maps are designed to help blind and visually impaired people understand the structure of buildings, streets, or public places.

Unlike regular visual maps, tactile maps rely on the sense of touch to convey information. Raised symbols represent objects like doors, elevators, or staircases. Braille text is used to label these elements so that visually impaired users can identify key locations easily and independently.

Why Are Tactile Maps So Important?

Imagine being in a new school, hospital, or shopping mall — but you can’t see any signs, paths, or directions. For the visually impaired, this is an everyday reality. Tactile maps help solve this problem by offering:

✅ Independence

They empower users to find their own way without constant assistance from others.

✅ Safety

By showing clear paths and emergency exits, tactile maps reduce the risk of accidents.

✅ Confidence

When users understand their environment, they feel more comfortable and secure.

✅ Accessibility

Tactile maps make buildings compliant with global accessibility standards like ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and RPWD Act in India.

Types of Tactile Maps by SignXpress India

At SignXpress India, we design and deliver a range of tactile solutions tailored to different spaces and user needs. Each type is developed with careful attention to clarity, accessibility, and real-world usability.

1. For Educational Institutions

Navigating a school can be overwhelming, especially for students with visual impairments. We offer specially designed layouts that clearly identify key locations such as classrooms, restrooms, administrative areas, and common zones, all using touch-friendly elements and readable labeling.

2. For Public and Commercial Spaces

In areas like malls, hospitals, and government offices, finding your way can be challenging. Our customized designs for these environments provide clear directions, recognizable textures, and helpful labeling that make orientation easier for everyone.

3. For Low-Vision and Blind Users

We use specially chosen materials that are easy to distinguish by touch, ensuring clarity and comfort. To support those with partial vision, we incorporate high-contrast colors along with tactile features, enhancing both readability and independence.

4. Three-Dimensional Navigation Aids

For larger or more complex environments like university campuses, museums, or heritage sites, we create three-dimensional layouts. These allow users to gain a full spatial understanding, helping them navigate confidently and safely.

Customized Acrylic Tactile Map | Matt Finish | SIGNXPRESS INDIA

Where Are Tactile Maps Used?

Tactile maps are useful in many places, including:

Schools and colleges
Hospitals and clinics
Government buildings
Transport hubs (bus stations, airports, metro)
Malls and shopping centers
Museums and public parks
Large office complexes

Features of Our Tactile Maps

Here’s a table that explains the key features of the tactile maps designed by SignXpress India:

Feature	Benefit
Braille Integration	Helps blind users read location names easily
Raised Lines & Symbols	Offers a clear sense of paths, doors, rooms
Durable, Weather-Proof Material	Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
High-Contrast Colors	Aids users with partial vision
Custom Design for Any Space	Tailored for schools, hospitals, malls, etc.
UV Printing & Laser Cut	Long-lasting and detailed tactile output
Easy to Clean & Maintain	Designed for regular use without damage

How Do Tactile Maps Help Solve Real Problems?

At SignXpress India, we don’t just make products — we solve problems. Our tactile maps are designed to address real challenges faced by visually impaired people:

Problem: “I can’t find the room I need in a school or office.”

Solution: Our tactile maps of school buildings help users understand room locations, exits, and corridors through Braille and raised layouts.

Problem: “I feel lost and unsafe in emergency situations.”

Solution: We include emergency exits, fire safety equipment, and assembly points clearly marked on every tactile map for blind users.

Problem: “I avoid public transport because I can’t understand the layout.”

Solution: We design 3D tactile maps for metro stations and bus terminals to make public transport easy and safe.

How We Design a Tactile Map – Step-by-Step

Our process ensures every tactile map meets user needs perfectly.

Site Visit – We analyze the physical layout and user flow
User Research – We study how visually impaired users interact with space
Braille & Symbol Design – We add clear, touch-friendly symbols and Braille text
Material Selection – We choose acrylic, PVC, or stainless steel as per the site
Manufacturing & Testing – Each map is tested with real users before installation
Installation & Support – We install the maps and offer maintenance support

Industries We Serve

Education

Schools
Universities
Coaching centers

Healthcare

Clinics
Multi-specialty hospitals
Eye hospitals

Government

Courts
Municipal offices
Public welfare departments

Transport

Metro stations
Airports
Bus terminals

Retail & Commercial

Malls
Multiplexes
Office towers

Why Choose SignXpress India?

At SignXpress India, we take pride in creating accessible spaces with our innovative tactile solutions. Here’s why clients across India trust us:

User-Centric Design: We work closely with visually impaired consultants
Durability Guaranteed: Long-lasting materials, suitable for high-traffic use
Custom-Made for Each Project: No one-size-fits-all — every map is unique
Full-Service Support: From design to installation and after-sales help
Pan-India Reach: We deliver and install across all states

Conclusion

Creating spaces that are accessible and inclusive is not just about compliance — it’s about care, dignity, and empowerment. Navigation should be easy for everyone, regardless of physical ability or sensory limitations. That’s why thoughtful design plays such a key role in making people feel confident, safe, and independent in unfamiliar environments.

At SignXpress India, we’ve made it our mission to design solutions that go beyond products — solutions that genuinely improve lives. Our focus has always been on real-world functionality, high-quality craftsmanship, and user-friendly experiences. Each project is developed with a deep understanding of the challenges people face, especially those with visual impairments, and we work hard to ensure that the solutions we provide make a measurable difference.

As we move toward a more inclusive society, we encourage schools, hospitals, commercial spaces, and public institutions to prioritize accessibility in every form. When environments are thoughtfully designed for everyone, not only do they meet legal standards, but they also reflect a deeper level of empathy and care. Partner with SignXpress India, and take a step toward creating a world that’s easier to navigate for all.

FAQs

1. What types of places can use these tactile maps?

Tactile maps can be used in many places like schools, hospitals, shopping malls, government buildings, museums, and college campuses. Each map is made to fit the specific layout and purpose of the space.

2. Are these maps only for people who are completely blind?

No, these maps are helpful for both fully blind and low-vision users. We use raised textures, Braille, and high-contrast colors so that everyone can use them easily.

3. Can these maps show more than just flat layouts?

Yes, we also create three-dimensional maps that give users a better sense of space and structure. These are useful in places where understanding depth and layout is important.

4. How do you make sure these maps are easy to understand?

We use simple, touch-friendly materials, clear Braille labels, and recognizable symbols. Every design is tested to make sure it works well for real users before final delivery.

5. Is it possible to get a custom design for my building?

Absolutely! Every map we create is fully customized based on your building’s layout and the needs of your visitors. Our team will work with you from design to installation.

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