Visually challenged students in India can soon access durable Braille maps

Dimapur, Jan. 10 (EMN): Visually challenged students from across India will soon have access to user-friendly durable Braille maps which were designed and developed using digital embossing technology that eliminates the need for printing plates, moulds, chemicals, and solvents, emitting no pollutants and reduces overall energy usage, updated Union Ministry of Science and Technology on Monday.

Introduced and implemented for the first time in India by National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO), the technology will be useful for high-speed production of the maps but produce Braille maps that can be used by more people for years together, said the update.

It was informed that NATMO started working on the technology in 1997 before its Braille Atlas for Visually Impaired (India), edition 2017 in English Braille Script received positive response from the visually impaired community.

Overwhelming demands for Braille Atlases from different corners encouraged NATMO to prepare Braille Atlases in Hindi and other regional languages, stated the update, adding that preparations for Braille Atlases of different Indian states have started in consultation with experts and organisations.

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“Primarily thematic maps are prepared on digital platforms using GIS technology. The hard copy products are then laminated with soft sheets. The soft laminated maps are placed onto the embossing digital devices with perfect registration for spot UV coating. Soft copy maps are masked in the area of interest for embossing. AI technology is used for 3D embossing to get the final Braille Maps. Complete map sets are bound spirally for the easy use of the visually impaired students,” read the press release.

“Braille Atlas of India were distributed in 323 schools of India as a proof of concept (PoC). Along with this publication, NATMO also organised Braille Workshops & Quiz Contests to develop awareness among the visually impaired student, teachers and trainers. From 2017 to 2019, total 1409 students from 97 schools of 22 States & UT participated in the Braille Workshops & Quiz Contests.

“The unique Braille Solution Unit will be launched soon with the expectation to fulfil the demands of larger community at PAN India level,” it added.