Automated Author Profile

Biggs, Brandon

Georgia Institute of Technology and Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute

Current S-Index

0.5

Sum of Dataset Indices for all datasets

Average Dataset Index per Dataset

0.3

Average Dataset Index per dataset

Total Datasets

2

Total datasets for this author

Average FAIR Score

48.1%

Average FAIR Score per dataset

Total Citations

0

Total citations to the author's datasets

Total Mentions

0

Total mentions of the author's datasets

S-Index Interpretation

S-Index Over Time

Cumulative Citations Over Time

Cumulative Mentions Over Time

Datasets

Systematically Evaluating Equivalent Purpose for Digital Maps - Data (Version: v0)

Digital geographic maps remain largely inaccessible to blind and low vision individuals (BLVIs), despite global legislation adopting the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). A critical gap exists in defining “equivalent purpose” for maps under WCAG Success Criterion 1.1.1, which requires that non-text content provide a text alternative that serves the "equivalent purpose”. This paper proposes a systematic framework for evaluating map accessibility, defining purpose through three items (Generalized, Spatial Information, and Spatial Relationships), and establishing 15 measurable criteria for equivalent information communication. Eight text map representations: turn-by-turn directions, tables, Nearby Address Searches, short text alternatives, Google Maps Interactive Alternate Text, Audiom Map Interactive Alternate Text, and audio descriptions, were evaluated against visual map baselines. Results show that legacy methods like tables and turn-by-turn directions fail to meet equivalent purpose, while Audiom Maps, MUD Maps, and Audio Descriptions satisfy the framework. The evaluation highlights the necessity of holistic, systematic approaches to ensure non-visual maps convey all generalized spatial information and relationships present in visual maps. This framework provides a replicable methodology for assessing digital map accessibility, clarifying WCAG’s equivalent purpose, and guiding compliant and usable map creation. Compliant maps will support BLVIs’ participation in map-dependent professions and civic engagement.

Authors

  • Biggs, Brandon
0 Citations0 Mentions48% FAIR0.3 Dataset Index
10.3886/e2396212025

Systematically Evaluating Equivalent Purpose for Digital Maps - Data (Version: v1)

Digital geographic maps remain largely inaccessible to blind and low vision individuals (BLVIs), despite global legislation adopting the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). A critical gap exists in defining “equivalent purpose” for maps under WCAG Success Criterion 1.1.1, which requires that non-text content provide a text alternative that serves the "equivalent purpose”. This paper proposes a systematic framework for evaluating map accessibility, defining purpose through three items (Generalized, Spatial Information, and Spatial Relationships), and establishing 15 measurable criteria for equivalent information communication. Eight text map representations: turn-by-turn directions, tables, Nearby Address Searches, short text alternatives, Google Maps Interactive Alternate Text, Audiom Map Interactive Alternate Text, and audio descriptions, were evaluated against visual map baselines. Results show that legacy methods like tables and turn-by-turn directions fail to meet equivalent purpose, while Audiom Maps, MUD Maps, and Audio Descriptions satisfy the framework. The evaluation highlights the necessity of holistic, systematic approaches to ensure non-visual maps convey all generalized spatial information and relationships present in visual maps. This framework provides a replicable methodology for assessing digital map accessibility, clarifying WCAG’s equivalent purpose, and guiding compliant and usable map creation. Compliant maps will support BLVIs’ participation in map-dependent professions and civic engagement.

Authors

  • Biggs, Brandon
0 Citations0 Mentions48% FAIR0.3 Dataset Index
10.3886/e239621v12025