Many maps are created using paint or other drawing tools and then saved as PDFs for sharing. The issue is that PDF maps are not computer-readable, which creates several barriers. This post will discuss why you should convert PDF maps to vector data and show how to do this process. What is Geographic Vector Data?
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Understanding the accessibility of digital map tools is essential for creating inclusive and accessible maps on your app or website. This is a systematic comparison of the accessibility of top digital map tools. The evaluation is based on the 14 criteria outlined in this report (Opens a new tab). These criteria were taken from the Web Accessibility Guidelines
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This post explains how to create detailed map descriptions and discusses their pros and cons. The instructions are based on both the landmark, route, and survey knowledge framework (Opens in a new tab) and the audio description guide from UniDescription project (Opens in a new tab). Detailed map text descriptions provide a comprehensive description of
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Maps are complex visual tools that convey a lot of information. But how can we ensure their text alternatives are accessible? Traditionally, making geographic maps (Opens a new tab) accessible involves focusing on the “point” of the map. Is the alternative text conveying the primary objective? However, this approach is neither legal nor compliant with
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These three questions will save you hours of time, make the world more inclusive, and help your business be welcoming and accessible to everyone. I’m often asked for my thoughts on business technology. It’s fantastic that a blind employee is asked for their input. The problem is neither I nor any other blind person has
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On July 7, 2024, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) (Opens a new tab), passed a “resolution” asking all federal agencies, and universities/colleges to use inclusive digital maps (Opens a new tab). These inclusive digital maps need to allow both accessible viewing and creation. The NFB is the largest blindness and low-vision consumer organization
Understanding an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) is super important in today’s world. Accessibility isn’t just a nice thing to have; it’s a must. ACRs show how companies make sure their products can be used by everyone, but not all ACRs are the same. A report that’s not done well might not truly show how accessible
One of the first questions when studying data representation is to understand what exactly is meant by a particular term, in this case, a “map”. Most dictionary definitions are visual centric emphasizing a visual representation (Opens a new tab), drawing (Opens a new tab), or flat surface (Opens a new tab), but I like the definition by Wikipedia (Opens
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The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has recently released a list of five digital accessibility rules (Opens in a new tab). These rules should help federal agencies create accessible digital content from the start. Digital accessibility should be added before a project ends. These rules are important for making sure all Americans can access
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