3D Printed Tactile (Event) Map

After several years of working with the accessibility director while running a local event, I was given the idea of creating a tactile map for the convention. While doing research, I found several ways to create 3d printed maps, but none that could be based off a more localized map for the inside of a building. More research, more trial and error, then eventually, I found a way that is reproducible. During the convention this year, there was tremendous feedback both of appreciation for feeling included in a way like never before (because this was the first they had "seen" a tactile map for a convention) and in ways to improve it for varying levels of vision. Because of that feedback, I am creating this page to make it easier for others to follow with the improvements that were proposed.

I hope this guide can be used by other event organizers to help make their events more accessible so all attendees can feel included.

Also, for full disclosure: words are not always my strong suit so there has been considerable ai assistance in the process of taking my own spaghettified thoughts and turning them into a coherent step by step guide

The supplies for this are fairly straight forward and because of how the tech has become so available, fairly easy for someone to do at home for very low cost.

1. A clean black and white image of the event/location map
2. Preferably a .svg file but any image format will work with a little work. If you're not familiar with graphic design, I suggest using Inkscape both because of the lack of barrier to entry and because of the ease of use for beginners.
3. Access to a 3d design program (fusion360, free cad, solid works or internet access to use tinkercad [free option]). If you're not familiar with using CAD, I suggest using TinkerCAD as it is very beginner friendly. If you're familiar with using a CAD program, I suggest using the program of your choice that you're most comfortable with.
4. Internet Access for braille translation. I was recommended to use https://www.brailletranslator.org/ and was very happy with the results.
5. Access to a 3d printer (either personal or a 3d print service). Matte finish filaments suggested for reducing light- induced glare, suggest using pla for detail printing but results will vary based on printer and settings.
6. If able to do multi- color printing, you'll need 2 high contrast colors. If multi- color isn't available, matte acrylic hobby paint to help create contrast.

The foundation of your project is a clear map of the venue.

* **Find a Reference:** A simple line drawing works best. You can use an official venue floor plan or a handwritten sketch.

* **What to Look For:** Ensure you have clear boundaries for the main event hall, including airwalls (temporary), permanent walls, and exit points.

To turn a picture into a 3D object, we first need to make it a vector file (.svg). While online converters exist, using Inkscape offers the most control over what details are captured.

* **Import:** Open Inkscape and import your map image as a reference layer.

* **Trace with Shapes:** Create a new vector layer on top. **Crucial Tip:** Do not just trace lines. Instead, create **enclosed shapes** for the walls and rooms.

* **Fill Tool:** Use the fill tool to solidify these shapes. CAD programs read filled "paths" much better than single lines when it comes time to extrude them.

While tracing, think about the end user’s experience.

* **Walls & Doors:** Leave open gaps in the wall shapes to represent doorways.

* **Points of Interest:** Create distinct shapes for critical areas like:

* Registration and Information desks.

* Bathrooms.

* Main stages or specific vendor booths.

* Bonus for a unique, star-shaped "you are here" type marker

* Additional bonus/ optional time saver: Add the Braille Landmark labels before completing this step.

* **Export:** Save your completed work as a .svg file.

Now, move from 2D to 3D using your preferred CAD software (Tinkercad, FreeCAD, or Fusion 360).

* **Import:** Load your .svg file into a new workspace.

* **Extrude the Walls:** * In Tinkercad, the file will automatically extrude any enclosed vector paths (this is where making shapes instead of lines becomes apparent).

* In **Fusion 360** or FreeCAD, you will need to manually extrude the shapes.

* **Recommended Height:** Set your walls to 10mm.

* **Create the Base:** Create a large rectangular box to serve as the unified platform for the entire map. Set this height to 5mm.

* Depending on the size of the area and/or the level of detail involved, you may want to divide the overall map into sections to more easily fit on your available printer. I recommend putting the separation points along the bases on long walls if possible. I also included some small round magnets to hold the sections together

Labels are the detail that make the map truly useful as an accessibility aide

* **Import Braille:** You can create Braille .svg files online or within Inkscape. Import these one by one into your CAD program and place them accordingly (having the reference map easily available helps a lot for this step).

* **Extrude the Text:** * Extrude the Braille dots to 13mm (so they sit 3mm above the walls).

* **Pro Tip: Reinforce the Text** Add a small "sub-platform" box (10mm height) directly under each Braille label. This provides a flat surface for the dots and makes them less fragile during use.

Now it's time to take this from digital brain space into the physical world ^.^

* **Export:** Save your file as an .stl or .obj.

* **Slicer Settings:** Use the slicer of your choice (like OrcaSlicer or Cura) and import the .stl or .obj file you exported from your CAD program. I recommend using higher detail settings over higher speed and found that 3-4 walls will make most it not all of the Braille marks solid. Rest of the print can be 10-15% infill as isn't intended to be load bearing

* **Material:** **PLA** is recommended. It handles fine details (like Braille dots) better than most other filaments and is less prone to warping.

Consider that not everyone who is visually impaired is fully blind. For individuals with low vision, visual contrast is just as important as the tactile feel.

* **Avoid Glare:** Use **matte** or non-reflective finishes. Glare from overhead lights can make it impossible for some users to see the map's boundaries.

* **Color Coding:** Use a high-contrast color scheme.

* **The Base:** A dark, matte color (like Black).

* **Raised Features:** Use a bright, matte contrasting color (like Yellow).

* **Method:** If you have a multi-material printer, you can change the top 5 or so mm of the print in your slicer to your secondary color/ filament.

If you do not have a multi-material printer, you can achieve this by doing a manual filament change during the print at the layer where the base ends and the walls begin, or by carefully painting the raised surfaces after the print is finished.