How to Systematically Evaluate and Create Inclusive Digital Maps

Scheduled at 9:00 am in Colorado I-J on Wednesday, November 13.

Speaker(s)

• Brandon Biggs, CEO, XR Navigation

Session Details

• Length of Session: 1-hr
• Format: Lecture
• Expertise Level: Intermediate
• Type of session: General Conference

Summary

This session delves into a systematic framework for making digital maps accessible for apps, websites, and alternate media production, Focusing on text alternatives, contrast, and keyboard navigation. From using the rigorous spatial knowledge framework, to investigating creative solutions around contrast and keyboard access, the presentation outlines systematic strategies to achieve "equal access" for all users.

Abstract

Digital maps across various platforms often fall short in accessibility, particularly in areas such as text alternatives, contrast, and keyboard accessibility. This presentation aims to guide participants through evaluating these aspects using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the primary framework, alongside other legislative standards.

The WCAG's Section 1.1.1 on Non-Text Content requires that all non-text content must have a text alternative serving the “equivalent purpose”. However, the term "equivalent purpose" is frequently misunderstood, leading to inadequate descriptions for complex graphics like maps that focus on the “primary purpose”. Maps serve multiple purposes. Using the rigorous academic framework of spatial knowledge, including all the elements comprising landmark, route, and survey knowledge, will enable a systematic and quantitative evaluation of “equal access”. This approach not only aligns with WCAG but also meets the requirements of section 504 regarding equal access.

Contrast is another critical area, with WCAG's Section 1.4.11 stipulating a minimum contrast ratio of 3:1 for visual elements. Achieving this in thematic maps, which often use multiple colors, presents a challenge. The presentation will explore strategies for compliance, such as high-contrast color schemes and patterns, to aid users with color blindness or low vision. Additionally, WCAG's Section 2.1.1 on Keyboard Accessibility requires that map features be navigable via keyboard. We will discuss designing maps and tools that support keyboard navigation for all users, ensuring accessibility in map creation and interaction.

This presentation will provide a thorough examination of how to create fully accessible digital maps, covering both theoretical frameworks and practical solutions for enhancing accessibility in website, application, and alternate media production.

Keypoints

1. Using the survey knowledge framework can systematize creating text alternatives for geographic maps
2. Using both high contrast colors and patterns can pass contrast requirements for map colors
3. Techniques for making all features and actions keyboard navigable for viewing and editing

Disability Areas

All Areas, Vision

Topic Areas

Alternate Format, Assistive Technology, Legal, Procurement, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access

Speaker Bio(s)

Brandon Biggs

Brandon Biggs is an entrepreneur, researcher, inclusive designer, developer, and life-long learner. He is the CEO of XR Navigation, an Engineer at the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, and a PhD student at the Georgia institute of Technology. In 2016, he received his bachelors in music from California State University East Bay, in 2019 he received his masters in Inclusive Design from the Ontario College of Art and Design University, and in 2021, began his PhD in Human Centered Computing from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is almost completely blind from Lebers Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). His projects and ventures center around building tools to solve some of the most difficult problems in the blindness field. He leverages his lived experience coupled with human centered inclusive design principles to create solutions that create lasting and sustainable impact. To achieve this goal, Brandon is half entrepreneur and half academic.