Providing Web Maps for Everyone. Understanding Users and their Requirements

摘要

In the last years, advancement of digital technologies has led to the development of innovative information and communication applications. Today, geographical digital tools are closely linked to computer-based communication processes, and contemporary (Geo-)ICT is extensively used in a wide range of different applications. However, for taking full advantage of these tools across society - including special needs groups - manifold open issues still have to be considered referring to topics such as e-inclusion. Interest is rising on enabling visually impaired to make use of web map applications, especially web-based city maps. Due to demographic change - associated with the rapid aging of population and the increasing number of people with age-related visual impairment - this is particularly in recent times. Unfortunately, the access and use of currently available web map applications is difficult or even impossible for visually impaired. Hence, several questions pertaining to the appropriate design and implementation of web maps for visually impaired are still open: (1) How to design and configure user interfaces of web map applications for visually impaired? (2) Which functionalities need to be implemented? (3) Which map content is demanded by visually impaired? (4) Which kind of graphical and non-graphical map design is most useful to enhance accessibility? The AccessibleMap project aims to investigate the above mentioned questions and to develop methods to make web-based city maps more (easily) accessible and usable for visually impaired. A prototype web map application is developed.