Microgrants/Microgrants 2020/Proposal/Tactile maps for blind or visually impaired children/Report

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Major update after this report was submitted: I moved to web-based version to make it easier to use. So no installation of any software will be needed and it can be operated by visiting a web site.

SVG generator (with proof-of-concept map style that supports rendering of area:highway=*) is at https://mapsaregreat.com/osm_to_svg_in_browser/

SVG generator of design usable by laser cutters is at https://matkoniecz.github.io/lunar_assembler/examples/dev-laser.html

Code is at https://github.com/matkoniecz/lunar_assembler#lunar-assembler - reports and contributions are welcomed

I lost a few hours of Python-specific work but usage instruction will not start from "install Python package" or "download this executable file".


Status and Report Type

type = interim

status = submitted

Step 1. Methods and Activities

So far I put 50 hours of work into design, testing, prototype production etc. So it is not yet even 1/4 of work, but I got email asking me to submit a report, so I publish it to show that I am doing something :)

Things are currently a bit delayed due to COVID. I am consulting quality of design/samples with a teacher in school for blind. And I am blocked again due to COVID.

Step 2. Outcome

Currently https://github.com/matkoniecz/tactile_patterns and https://github.com/matkoniecz/tactile_map are published, but it is just a start.

I am finally getting close to production of map itself, but I just wanted final validation of design of tactile patterns.

Step 3. Detail Report

Please report on your original project targets, use the below table to:

  • List each of your original targets from your project plan.
  • List the actual outcome that was achieved.
  • Explain how your outcome compares with the original target. Did you reach your targets? Why or why not?
Target outcome Achieved outcome Explanation
Design of tools needed to produce map Nearly(TM) done Awaits validation, blocked by COVID restrictions. Should be unblocked on 7th April.
Map production and delivery, testing and improvements to tools. Not done at all, preparation complete. For obvious reasons previous steps needs to be done.
Using previous steps for promotion of OpenStreetMap Not done at all, preparation are happening I want to have something clearly nice/delivered before starting this step.

Step 4. Learning

Projects do not always go according to plan. Sharing what you learned can help you and others plan similar projects in the future. Help the movement learn from your experience by answering the following questions:

  • What worked well?
    • People in Makerspace were extremely helpful. I really recommend people interested at all in such production to try visiting their local leisure=hackerspace / makerspace / similar places.
    • I planned to use local hackerspace but due to COVID restrictions and laser breakdown and other issues I relocated to alternative location, without negative effects.
  • What did not work so well?
    • As important part to ensure that project will be usable is consulting with teachers that will actually use it, project turned out to be COVID-vulnerable. Right now I am blocked again. I have underestimated this disruption, but it is not very innovative discovery :)
  • What would you do differently next time?
    • Start earlier and do not assume that COVID will end in early 2021 (it will likely stay forever with us :( ).

Step 5. Grant funds used

42 hours of design work out of 150 allocated.

300 PLN (64.64 euro) prepaid for 20h of laser cutter access (10h label, but it is for a large laser and I am using a smaller one that is available for half of a price), out of planned 100€ ( https://makerspacekrakow.pl/sklep/pakiet-10h/ )

Step 6. Unused funds

Not applicable right now.

Step 7. Anything else?

Sorry for delay in publishing, I basically missed the email asking to produce it.

If you see any typos, improvable things etc please let me know!

Step 8. Save your page

Done.

Step 9.

One last step! Email microgrants, “ат”osmfoundation.org to notify us that your report is ready for review. Remember to include copies of your receipts!

Done.

Notes:

  • Although English is the preferred language for reports, you are welcome to submit yours in any language. Links to blog posts, slides, etc in other languages are also welcome.
  • Words between <tvar|comment-start>"<!--"</> and <tvar|comment-end>"-->"</> in the edit window will not show up on your saved page.