The role of tourist tactile products in the formation of accessible urban environment

For the Winter Olympics in Sochi 2014 the works to adapt the urban environment for people with vision disabilities have been carried out. In particular, the system of stands with tactile navigation maps has been established in the city. People with vision disabilities are usually regarded as persons with limited mobility: they have serious difficulties with the inde- pendent movement and gaining information. Stands with tactile navigation maps helps blind people orient themselves in unfamiliar areas. The authors analyze quality of stands using the experience that have been gained in the creation of tactile cartographic products for the blind. The article provides basic information about the features of perception of visually impaired persons, production tech- nologies and features of tactile maps that affect the process of using the stands. The article concluded that all tourist mnemonic schemes have room for improvement. Totally blind people cannot use them on their own. Visually impaired people can use the mnemonic schemes, but the effectiveness of their use will be reduced. The authors point out the necessity of the development of a standard that would regulate the preparation of cartographic products for the blind people.