Development of Tactile Globe by Additive Manufacturing

To understand geographical positions, globes adapted for tactile learning is needed for people with visual impairments. Therefore, we created three-dimensional (3D) tactile models of the earth for the visually impaired, utilizing the exact topography data obtained by planetary explorations. Additively manufactured 3D models of the earth can impart an exact shape of relief on their spherical surfaces. In this study, we made improvements to existing models to satisfy the requirements of tactile learning. These improvements were the addition of the equator, prime meridian, and two poles to a basis model. Hence, eight types of model were proposed. The equator and the prime meridian were expressed by the belt on four models (i.e., B1, B2, B3, and B4). The height of their belt was pro-vided in four stages. The equator and the prime meridian were expressed by the gutter on four models (i.e., C1, C2, C3, and C4). The width of their gutter was provided in four stages. The north pole was expressed by a cone, while the south pole was expressed by a cylinder. The two poles have a common shape in all of the eight models. Evaluation experiments revealed that the Earth models developed in this study were useful for tactile learning of the visually impaired.