Tactile ground markers are used to aid blind and those who are visually impaired individuals in orienting themselves and reminding them of potential hazards or impediments. TGSI tactile can be detected by visually impaired people using the luminous contrast found on the ground substrates and sensory detection of their soles.

A growing number of people are either blind or visually handicapped, and their visual effectiveness is deteriorating. This category is best suited to people of 65+. The number of such visually impaired people will increase in future as the population of 65+ years old continues to grow.

What are tactile blocks?
These tactile blocks are textured sections of the ground, which can be found on sidewalks, especially near road crossings or other places where individuals must be more knowledgeable of their surroundings.

They are used for helping people with vision impairment in determining whether or not they are walking on a safe path and recognising when they are trying to approach a hazard, like crossing a road, etc.

Blocks can be recognised using a cane or just by feeling those beneath your shoes, and guiding dogs can use them as well.

Such tactile systems are especially handy near roadways, stairs, and train station platforms. Also, they can improve safety for people who require help figuring out where they're going.

Blocks with bars fitted on them traditionally denoted a hazard ahead, whereas dotted blocks normally indicated the direction you should be heading. However, this can vary based on the region.

Most goods on the market have an adhesive backing of 0.5mm thick. In addition, the ceramic tile has a cavity usually at the bottom to save money on materials.

Many similar products are available on the market, which is made of certain inferior PVC/TPU materials and uncertified imported materials. The adhesive's quality is affected by the materials it is made of.

The most sophisticated polyurethane for pedestrian traffic on the market has the following characteristics: UV-stabilized and colour-fast. The materials are extremely durable. The type of adhesive to be used is a high-quality pad of butyl rubber adhesive (the best present on the market) that is 1mm thick.

Brief History
The idea came from a Japanese inventor who wanted to help some of his friends who had lost his sight, however, it grew into something that was utilised widely in numerous countries.

When Seiichi first designed them, they were called Tenji blocks, but they have subsequently been given numerous other titles, including tactile pavement, truncated domes, and detectable warnings.

Seiichi put his own money into developing the design which was first time used in 1967. They were placed on a street in Okayama City, in Japan, near a certain school meant for blind children.

The method was not widely adopted until the year 1990, but it was thereafter utilised in several nations, including the UK, the US, Australia, and Asia.

Other countries also started to follow suit, and also many have enacted legislation mandating its implementation. However, there are certain reasons to proceed with caution while installing them. The bumps can be rather difficult to walk on for people with good vision, but having arthritis or also mobility issues.