Welcome to the Magic Map Online - Palo Alto!

Experience the Magic Map Completely in Audio

Powered by Audiom!

We have built the only platform that provides a digital auditory representation of the spatial map information, as well as a graphical representation, and an interactive text description through our Audiom map creation platform built by the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute. This allows users of all abilities to experience the map online.

Video Demo of The Auditory Magic Map

Description

The Magic Map is a project to build the ideal navigation solution for the Magical Bridge playground in Palo Alto California. The project is a partnership between the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, XR Navigation, and the Magical Bridge Foundation.

The Magic Map was founded on co-designs with 17 blind individuals presented in: This paper from ICAD 2019 and this paper from RESNA 2021.

There are three components:

1. Interactive 3D tactile map
2. Digital cross-sensory map
3. Highly accurate turn-by-turn wayfinding system (in progress)

Interactive 3d Tactile Map

This map has 3D models of major landmarks in the space, and uses computer vision through the Camera Input Output (CamIO) application to detect where the user is pointing with a stylus on the 3D model map. This allows the user to hear a name and description of the feature they are pointing to.

Turn by Turn Wayfinding Application

Turn-By-Turn wayfinding is the last piece of the navigation solution, giving users sub-meter accurate directions to their location. The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute is creating the INavigate application that will allow users to navigate using computer vision without connecting to an external server. Note this demo is done in-doors, but the playground is outside:

Publications

The Magic Map is referenced in the below publications:

• Paper: Coughlan, J., Biggs, B., & Shen, H. (2022). Non-Visual Access to an Interactive 3D Map. In Joint International Conference on Digital Inclusion, Assistive Technology & Accessibility (ICCHP-AAATE '22).
• Chapter: Biggs, B., Siu, A. F., Aziz, N., & Stockman, T. (2022). Remote Co-Design in the Digital Age. In M. Rioux, & J. Viera (Eds.), Handbook of Disability: Critical Thought, Human Rights and Social Change in a Globalizing World. chapter, Springer.
• Abstract: Coughlan, J. M., Biggs, B., & Shen, H. (2021). Point and Listen: Bringing a 3D Map to Life with Audio-Based AR. Journal on technology and persons with disabilities, 8, 210.
• Paper: Biggs, B., Coughlan, J. M., & Coppin, P. (2021). Design and evaluation of an interactive 3D map. Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, 2021.
• Paper: Biggs, B., Coughlan, J., Coppin, P. (2019). Design And Evaluation Of An Audio Game-Inspired Auditory Map Interface. Published in the International Conference on Auditory Display, 2019.
• Master's Thesis: Biggs, B. (2019). Designing Accessible Nonvisual Maps. Ontario College of Art and Design University.