Refreshable tactile mapping device

A method for providing tactile information to a blind or visually impaired or other person, comprising the steps of:

• providing at least one source of pressurized gas;
• providing a plate having a surface defining a plurality of openings which open into an airspace directly adjacent to the openings;
• providing a plurality of conduits, each of said conduits being in fluid communication with said source of pressurized gas and with a respective one of the openings;
• providing a valve for each of said conduits, each of said valves including means for opening and closing fluid communication through the respective conduit;
• and
• using an automated electronic controller to selectively open and close the valves to allow pressurized gas to flow from the pressurized gas source through selected openings and into the airspace directly adjacent to the openings to form a tactile image that can be read by placing the fingertips or other sensitive part of the body of the person into the airspace adjacent to the surface of the plate.