How to Obtain Haptic Maps

Tactile maps can be found at hapticke.mapy.cz. Alternatively, you can also access them through Mapy.com, where you can change the map background by pressing the Change Map button in the top left corner and select the Other/Tactile option. Tactile maps can be obtained in three different ways.

Download

This way, you will download a file with your selected map, a list of abbreviations, and possibly other supplementary information. After downloading the file, you can either print the Tactile maps yourself or contact one of the specialized places for support for the visually impaired, where they will be happy to print the map for you.

• Choose the location you are interested in, either by moving on the map or using the search
• Choose the appropriate map scale
• Click on the map to select the map sheets you want to print. The selected sheets have a darker background, and you can see their list in the right panel
  • If needed, you can also print additional backgrounds. If you fill in the Map Name, you will find the backgrounds saved under this name for map printing
  • You can choose whether to print a list of abbreviations (explains the abbreviations of settlements and streets in Braille used on the map sheet), a legend (defines how to read individual elements on the Tactile map, how a street, river, house, or steps appear), and supplementary information (provides a list of interesting and useful places in the selected area, such as restaurants, pharmacies, public transport stops, or ATMs)
  • Optionally, you can print the sheet identifier on the map sheet, which indicates the labeling of adjacent map sheets if you want to print them later
• After selecting the sheets and setting printing parameters, choose the Download option
• After a moment, a ZIP file containing the map sheets in PNG format and other requested information will be downloaded to your computer
• To complete the Tactile maps preparation process, you need a laser printer, special microcapsule paper, and a fuser. If you do not meet the printing conditions or do not know how to print the map, contact one of the partner places where they will be happy to help you with printing the maps
• If you meet the printing conditions, print in the following steps
  • Insert the microcapsule paper into the laser printer; the printing side is rougher and yellowish
  • In the print settings, select A4 paper format, sRGB color profile, and absolute black
  • Print individual map sheets
  • Turn on the fuser to about 2/3 power and then heat it by passing a blank higher grammage paper through it two or three times
  • Then insert the printed map sheets into the fuser and let the paper pass through the device
  • The heat should cause the black printed areas to expand, making the map tactile
  • Check the result, adjust the fuser power settings, and repeat the steps if necessary

If you want to print a larger number of map sheets, use the Table button at the top left and select additional map sheets as needed.

Order printed maps

If you do not have the equipment needed to print tactile maps but have a specific idea of what you want to be printed, simply choose the map, fill out a short contact form, and we will print the map and send it directly to your home. To accommodate everyone, we print a maximum of 10 sheets for one applicant. If you still need to print a larger quantity, please write to us, and we’ll try to meet your needs.

• Choose the location you are interested in, either by moving on the map or using the search
• Choose the appropriate map scale
• Click on the map to select the map sheets you want to print. The selected sheets have a darker background, and you can see their list in the right panel
  • If needed, you can also print additional backgrounds. If you fill in the Map Name, you will find the backgrounds saved under this name for map printing
  • You can choose whether to print a list of abbreviations (explains the abbreviations of settlements and streets in Braille used on the map sheet), a legend (defines how to read individual elements on the Tactile map, how a street, river, house, or steps appear), and supplementary information (provides a list of interesting and useful places in the selected area, such as restaurants, pharmacies, public transport stops, or ATMs)
  • Optionally, you can print the sheet identifier on the map sheet, which indicates the labeling of adjacent map sheets if you want to print them later
• After selecting the sheets and setting printing parameters, choose the Order printed maps option
• Now you just need to fill out and submit the form, providing your contact information and delivery address
• After submission, you will see a confirmation screen of receipt of your request, and you will also receive a confirmation by email
• We will process your order and, after completion, send you another confirmation email. The tactile maps will be sent to your chosen delivery address

Help with map selection

If you are interested in tactile maps but are not sure about selecting the right map or don’t know how to proceed, contact us. Just fill out a short contact form specifying the area you need to print, and we will be happy to help you with the selection.

• The form link is located on the homepage of hapticke.mapy.cz in the right information panel
• In the form, fill in your contact information and specify in the comment section, in free text form, the area you need to print, or what you want to use the map for
• After submission, you will see a confirmation screen of receipt of your request, and you will also receive a confirmation by email
• We will process your query and respond or call you back within a few days to clarify your request
• Once all details are agreed upon, we will print the tactile maps and send them to your chosen delivery address