Is there a industry standard for PDF Map alt text for screen readers?

[Amanda__Huber]

Hi There, 

Our team has been working on standardizing the Alt text across all our PDF Maps and we're curious if anyone knows if there's an industry standard out there for best practices for what to describe for a map?

We've found a few resources for alt text recommendations for complex images and we're aware of best practices for image alt text but so far nothing for describing appearance of maps specifically.

Is there a best practice for how detailed or lengthy our alt text descriptions should be? For example, should we be describing wayfinding instructions for accessing the parks (which maps inherently show) or the ecosystem/landscape of the park, what about amenities within? 

We have a few examples but we're just not sure what the industry standards are or if industry standards for park maps even exist, so we thought we'd reach out here. 

Thanks in advance for any insight anyone can bring to this!

Best, 

Amanda Huber

[JessicaMccall]

Hi @Amanda__Huber 

From my research, there is not an industry standard for alternative text for maps of any kind - static or interactive. I've seen the general topic of alt text debated quite a bit and I think the consensus is that there is not a consensus!

As you know, alt text for an image can vary and can even be different for the same image in different contexts. Alt text and captions are there to support the meaning of the image and should be created or updated based on what the message of the image or map is trying to convey. Alt text should take into consideration the intended audience and the map's purpose. This means that it may be difficult to create a 'standard' but there could be guidance that gives suggestions for what to write. 

My general suggestions for alt text for maps - just as an idea, not a rule - is to make sure that alt text is clear, concise, and written in plain language. There is not a limit to the number of words, but brevity is key. In general, include one or more of the following:

• Where the map is centered - if a static map, a description of the location; if an interactive map, where the map opens to or the home position
• A brief description of the data displayed or the information to be found on the map
• Any symbology that is used in the map can be described or provide a summary of what the data is communicating

In your examples, I would consider the text that is written could be provided as a caption rather than the alt text. This would allow people without visual impairments to also read and understand the intent of the map and the information that is being communicated, which could help people with cognitive impairments as well. 

A few resources to consider:

• New Accessibility documentation from Esri: Images and icons | Accessibility documentation
• Do No Harm Guide: Applying Equity Awareness in Data Visualization | Urban Institute