Web accessibility: "GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and accessibility"

This article is based on a presentation I made at a Public Sector Forums event on "GIS for Local Government" on 15 September.

"At present, it is impossible to make graphic presentations of some types of GIS data directly accessible to those using text, speech or braille formats to access their PC and the Web. Some types of data simply can't be made directly accessible with the technologies currently available. Various research projects are investigating alternative methods of accessing information, for example the use of variable sound to convey information, or the use of "virtual reality" technologies to enable information to be explored using a range of senses including touch. But practical implementations of these methods and technologies are some way off.

There are, however, interim accessibility solutions that can be implemented for many types of GIS data. These solutions require that the data is presented in an alternative, text-based format as well as graphically. The most suitable format for accessing and displaying the information will obviously depend on the nature of the information being presented."

Read the full article in RNIB's Web Access Centre.

Technorati subject tags: Accessibility, Web Accessibility, Web Standards