Abstract: Various embodiments of a three-dimensional (3D) tactile map system and methods of implementing the system are described. In one example, the tactile map system includes a map base having a substantially planar substrate defining an x-y plane. The map base includes a top base surface and a bottom base surface, where the top base surface includes a ground surface texture. The tactile map system also includes a 3D scaled representation of a structure attached to the top surface of the map base. The 3D scaled representation can be configured with dimensions that are in proportion to the structure and extend in a z-direction from the base. The z-direction being orthogonal to the x-y plane. The 3D scaled representation includes a plurality of identified surfaces, each of the plurality of identified surfaces having a surface type of a plurality of surface types, each surface type corresponding to a selected surface texture.