What is a primary benefit of using tactile maps in orientation and mobility?

Using tactile maps in orientation and mobility offers a significant advantage by providing a sensory experience that enhances understanding. Tactile maps allow individuals with visual impairments to feel the layout of a specific environment through raised surfaces that represent various features, such as roads, buildings, and landmarks. This hands-on interaction facilitates spatial awareness and helps learners internalize geographical concepts, making it easier for them to navigate effectively.

The tactile experience serves to bridge the gap between physical environments and the individual's cognitive understanding, enabling better orientation and mobility skills. Engaging with a tactile map can also support the development of mental mapping skills, allowing users to visualize their surroundings more effectively when they encounter them in real life.

In contrast, while aesthetic design can be important for engagement, it is not the primary purpose of tactile maps. They do not completely replace the need for verbal instructions, which can provide necessary context and additional information beyond what a tactile representation can convey. Furthermore, the use of tactile maps is focused on facilitating training rather than providing distractions in the learning process.