Thank you for your question and for your patience while awaiting our response. Since your inquiry involves two (2) separate examples and situations, each is addressed individually below. This response is based on our understanding of Unit 5 of the Guidelines and Standards for Tactile Graphics 2022. (GSTG)

Labeled Map with Associated Key, Textures, and Explanations

After reviewing the guidelines, we found a similar example to the one you provided. Please see Unit 5 of Guidelines and Standards for Tactile Graphics, 2022 (GSTG). 5.7 Keys and Legends: Content and Format

GSTG 5.7.5 advises to replace “Legend” with the word “Key”. In your case, “Map Key” could be replaced and the word “Key”.

Key format is 7/5.  (GSTG 5.8.4 Key Listing:  5.8.4.1-5.8.4.6)

• Begin in Cell 7 with the opening Transcriber’s Note indicator (TN) and insert the word “Key:” (Insert a blank line between “Key” and list of items in the key.)
• List the map key symbols in cell 1 (or begin explanation in cell 6 if a texture symbol is used). (GSTG22 5.8.4.3)
• Place the closing Transcriber’s Note indicator after the last symbol in the list. (GSTG22 5.8.4.6)

*Please review the text carefully (i.e., read the surrounding text as well as any questions related to the map exercise. This review should also include any summaries at the end of the section or chapter that may refer to the map).

If the concept of reading maps is being taught, a TN must be included to explain the replacement. Following this guideline could result in a TN such as the following:

In braille, the word “Key’ replaces the print words “Map Key”.

If this replacement is made throughout the volume or throughout an entire transcription, it should be explained on the Transcriber’s Notes page.

It is our understanding that  “Key” is appropriate, even when the text specifies “Map Key.” Neither term should present any difficulty for readers; however, “Key” is the form they are most likely to recognize. Younger readers also encounter the “Key” transcriber’s note in other material (11.2.6, 11.2.7, 11.2.11).

Blank Map with Associated Blank Key

As noted in your question, “blank key’s” are not specifically addressed in the guidelines. You will need to make the final format decisions based on context and how the blank maps with blank map keys are intended for use.

If you choose to follow print for the blank keys heading and format, “Map Key” as cell-5 heading, you may want to consider adding a TN explanation such as the following:

The blank Map Key does not have a specified number of entries. (7/5 ) 

In your question and explanation of the format for the blank keys, there was no mention of the blank area (for answers) following the cell-5 heading, “Map Key.” Since we don’t know how that is being addressed, I’ve included a sample of a TN that could be added or considered for clarity and explanation of print to the reader.

The blank map key does not have a specified number of entries. In braille, the underscore symbol _ represents the blank space shown for answers. (7/5 format) 

Map Key (cell 5)

_ (underscore in cell 1)

(Note: There is no actual underscore in the print text, the TN above addresses the change from print to braille, while also indicating that something is needed in that space rather than leaving a cell-5 heading standing alone.)

If this replacement is made throughout the volume or throughout an entire transcription, it may be able possible to explain on the Transcriber’s Notes page.

Our answers above are based on the print samples provided, since the grade level is unknown and the full textbook is not available for the NBA tactile committee to study and review, we recommend selecting an approach that can be applied consistently throughout the transcription.