At Mapme, we are committed to making our interactive maps accessible and usable for all users, including those with disabilities. Interactive maps can pose challenges for people with accessibility needs, and we strive to meet these challenges by designing our interface to support users with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.
Our maps are developed in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 standards. View the Mapme Accessibility Conformance Reports – VPAT.
Key Accessibility Features
Screen Reader Optimization
Key screen reader features include:
- Comprehensive text descriptions for all map elements
- Descriptive labels and alt-text for icons and images
- Real-time announcements of map interactions and updates
- Dynamic feedback for filter selections and location changes
Popular screen readers that are supported include NVDA or JAWS for Windows and VoiceOver for Mac.
Keyboard Navigation
For users who rely on keyboard navigation, we provide comprehensive keyboard controls for navigating the map. This includes accessing map content, moving between interactive elements, zooming, panning, and interacting with pop-ups.
The keyboard shortcuts for navigating map content are:
- Enter: Switch from the map overview to the map sections
- Esc: Return from map sections to map overview
- Right and Left Arrow Keys: Move between map sections
- Space: Toggle between the horizontal slider and the main content card
Color and Contrast
For users with low vision or color blindness, we offer
- High-contrast base maps for improved readability
- Carefully selected color combinations to support users with color blindness
- Clear typography with optimal contrast ratios
- Distinct visual hierarchies for improved navigation
Alternative Format Options
To further support accessibility, you can create a static version of your map content, organized on a webpage by categories. This alternative format is beneficial for ADA and Section 508 compliance and is automatically generated for social sharing. You can also use our JSON API to structure and display map content in a fully accessible, static layout.
Best Practices for Map Creators
We recommend checking out our Best Practices Guide for creating accessible and inclusive interactive maps with Mapme.
Questions about Map Accessibility and ADA Compliance
For more information about accessibility or ADA compliance, please reach out to our support team. We are here to help you create accessible and user-friendly maps for all audiences.