Towards a Geographic Information System facilitating navigation of Visually Impaired users
Abstract
In this paper, we propose some adaptation to Geographical Infor-mation System (GIS) components used in GPS based navigation system. In our design process, we adopted a user-centered design approach in collaboration with final users and Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instructors. A database scheme is presented to integrate the principal classes proposed by users and O&M instructors. In addition, some analytical tools are also implemented and integrated in the GIS. This adapted GIS can improve the guidance process of existing and future EOAs. A first implementation of an adapted guidance process allowing a better representation of the surroundings is provided as an il-lustration of this adapted GIS. This work is part of the NAVIG system (Naviga-tion Assisted by Artificial VIsion and GNSS), an assistive device, whose aim is to improve the Quality of Life of Visually Impaired (VI) persons via increased orientation and mobility capabilities.