Tactile map
Description
A raised schematic map showing what will be encountered as the pedestrian negotiates the crosswalk controlled by that pushbutton. This feature is available from one manufacturer.
Additional information
Figure 4-7. This tactile map from a Swedish APS is read from the bottom to the top and indicates lanes as they would be encountered by pedestrians
Map information may include:
- Number of lanes to be crossed
- Whether the lanes are vehicular or bicycle lanes or trolley tracks
- Which direction traffic will be coming from in each lane
- Whether there is a median
Each map is made up of changeable 'slugs' inserted into the side of the pushbutton housing. It must be set up for each crosswalk of an intersection The map information is for the crosswalk controlled by that signal only, rather than the entire intersection.
Symbols used are not standardized in the U.S., but one manufacturer has developed a standard set that is used in other countries.
When to use
A map of the crosswalk may be particularly useful at intersections with medians or islands.
References
Section 4E.09 provides the option of a tactile map of the crosswalk.
How used by pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision
Pedestrians unfamiliar with the intersection or crossing hear the locator tone and locate the pushbutton and map. Standing facing the crossing, they 'read' the map and learn how wide the street is, and what they will encounter in the crosswalk, before they begin to cross. The map also indicates whether the pedestrian signal controlled by that pushbutton provides a crossing time for the entire crossing or just to a median or island because if the signal is just for a portion of the street, the map will show the crossing ending on a 'median' graphic, indicating that there is another crossing, either controlled or uncontrolled.
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