Re: Query regarding digital maps in relation to Web Accessibility Regulations 2018

Hi Rowena,

A map with "wayfinding" sounds like a map "intended for navigational use",
so you are correct that the map's information must be accessible in public
sector websites and mobile apps in the UK and EU. Where it says "essential
information" from the map, I take that to mean simply any information that
is not pure decoration <https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/#dfn-pure-decoration>.

> exempt subject to suitable alternative provision

It's best to make things directly accessible, but the standards do allow
accessible alternatives for any content or function (not just mapping). Don't
say the content is "exempt". Instead say (for example): the *specified map*
meets *WCAG 2.1.1 Keyboard* through a *link to standalone document with a
text version of the map information and wayfinding directions*. The
document is a "conforming alternate version" of the map.

I imagine HTML would provide a better experience for less effort than a PDF.

Cheers,
Mitchell

Mitchell Evan, CPWA
linkedin.com/in/mitchellrevan <https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchellrevan>
Twitter @mitchellrevan <https://twitter.com/mitchellrevan>
+49 1525 8950540
+1 510 375 6104


On Thu, 24 Sep 2020 at 20:22, Rowena Macaulay <rowena@smartne.com> wrote:

> Dear group members,
>
>
> I have been directed to this forum by one of the editors of the Web
> Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
> <https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/>.
>
>
>
> I would be very grateful for any advice you can offer on the following.
>
>
>
> I work in digital mapping and am concerned to clarify details of the
> regs/guidance with regard to The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile
> Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018, in relation to digital maps
> provided for public sector clients.
>
>
>
> 4.2(d) of the regulations includes 'online maps and mapping services'
> within the list of web content to which the regs do not apply 'as long as
> essential information is provided in an accessible digital manner for maps
> intended for navigational use'.
>
>
>
> We build layered, interactive maps that are intended for wayfinding
> alongside other kinds of information provision. Although these maps serve
> the interests of some disabled users very well, and this was in fact a
> major motivating factor behind their early development (they can for
> example show step-free and lower gradient routes over complex sites, and
> routes that prioritise indoor options where possible), our technology does
> not as yet enable us to translate route directions into to a text-based
> form that would be self-sufficient without the map visuals.
>
>
>
> My question therefore is really over what kind of practice/provision would
> be considered a reasonable alternative i.e. would constitute 'essential
> information [....] provided in an accessible digital manner'? I have
> suggested to one client that their site map's key locations could be listed
> in a stand-alone screen-readable pdf document, with addresses, some
> supporting directional information and contact details given. We would then
> link to this doc from the 'Information' section (i.e. a dropdown containing
> supporting articles etc) of the interactive map.
>
>
>
> I would be very grateful if you could confirm my understanding that our
> digital maps, as described, are indeed exempt subject to suitable
> alternative provision, and that the solution described would be regarded as
> reasonable/compliant? Any equivalent examples of good practice that you can
> direct me to would be really helpful. It may be that the onus in meeting
> the regulations falls to our public sector clients, but we would like to be
> in a position to advise them accurately and make suggestions for the
> alternative provision of information.
>
>
>
> In the meantime we are actively looking to make our maps more accessible
> in other ways, across a wider range of impairment type, as and where we can.
>
>
>
> I'm very grateful in advance for your advice and time.
>
>
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Rowena Macaulay
>
>
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>
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>
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>
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>
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