Unique Challenge: Map for the blind

[Chashio]

Interesting challenge. Perhaps you could carve it (with block printing tools or somesuch) into a thick piece of mat board. I'd also suggest attaching it to a sturdy backing to prevent warping, and sealing it with a heavy varnish that can be washed. I've never tried anything of the sort, so I'm not positive the materials will hold up, but it might be worth a test run, at the least.

Another possible method--similar to Korash's idea--might be to actually cut the mat board (or wood veneer, etc) on topographical lines and build up the layers in a three-dimensional form (example).

You can mix different materials (sand, small beads, etc) into acrylic paint to create unique textures. There are some pre-textured paints and gessoes available, too... art or craft-grade in an art store, home-grade in places like home depot.

Good luck with the project. =)