Improved accessibility of web-based maps

The aim of the project AccessibleMap is to develop methods which can make web-based maps accessible more easily for partially sighted people. The technical implementation is based on geographic information technologies. On the one side a semantic description of the map is generated automatically. On the other side the cartographic design is optimized according to the requirements of partially sighted, blind and colour blind people.

Background

Today cities and regions can be explored easily and in a comfortable way with the help of interactive online maps. Even though web-based maps become more and more popular, they still belong to those elements of the web which are hardly or even not accessible for partially sighted people. Causes for visually impairment are not only genetic defects, diseases or accidents, but vision may also decline at higher age (macula degeneration). Due to demographic change, i. e. the ageing of society, general and social discussions about accessibility and e-inclusion become more important. AccessibleMap tries to support orientation and mobility in urban space.

What are the aims of AccessibleMap?

• better access to digital maps, especially for partially sighted people;
• semantic description (map in words);
• optimized cartographic design in terms of colour, etc.;
• mobile application;
• automated generation of the spatial description and large-scale application;
• engagement with end users.