Section 508 accessibility for geospatial and web mapping applications
Posted on June 09, 2011 by Dennis Wurthrich
I recently received a question regarding Section 508 accessibility issues for implementations with GeoServer.
Section 508 refers to a a federal law mandating that all electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained, or used by the federal government be accessible to people with disabilities.
Section 508 requirements pose significant challenges for geospatial and web mapping applications. These applications are visual, interactive and dynamic in nature and are difficult to enable for full accessibility. GeoServer is not unique in this regard. For example, screen readers are not able to accurately describe the full content of a map generated on-the-fly.
Currently the best ways we have found to handle accessibility for geospatial data and maps are adding alternate text fields or tooltips, using text-based tabular information for critical map coordinates matched to descriptive text, or if viable using a video with synchronized captions. It all boils down to user interface - finding intelligent, alternate ways to represent dynamic, visual information. One interesting side note: solutions that successfully design for accessibility will also improve search engine optimization.
I am interested in any research on practical methods and technologies for handling accessibility in geospatial mapping applications. If you have any relevant information on this topic, please comment on this blog.
Tags: Web Mapping