What's Happening?
Blue Raster, a GIS consulting firm, is promoting the use of accessible basemaps in cartography, highlighting Andy Skinner’s Accessible Basemap Gray Version 2 in ArcGIS Online. This basemap, developed by Skinner who has decades of experience in cartographic
design, aims to improve readability for individuals with visual impairments and color vision deficiencies. It achieves this by increasing contrast between map features compared to Esri’s Light Gray Canvas. The initiative emphasizes that accessible design is not about creating simpler maps, but rather making maps that cater to a broader audience by considering various visual needs from the outset. The firm stresses that every visual decision, starting with the basemap, influences how a map is understood and used, making the choice of an accessible basemap foundational for subsequent design elements.
Why It's Important?
The push for accessible cartography by Blue Raster is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it addresses a critical need for inclusivity in information dissemination, ensuring that maps, which are vital visual tools, are usable by a wider demographic, including those with visual impairments. This aligns with the principles of universal design, where products and environments are designed to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Secondly, by advocating for stronger contrast and deliberate symbology, Blue Raster is setting a higher standard for cartographic design. This can lead to more reliable and effective maps for everyone, as important information is not solely tied to one visual cue like color, but is reinforced through shape, size, pattern, and hierarchy. This approach enhances the overall clarity and utility of maps, benefiting not only those with specific visual needs but also users viewing maps in challenging conditions or those who simply benefit from a clearer visual structure.
What's Next?
Blue Raster plans to continue assisting organizations in developing cartographic standards and design systems that integrate accessibility from the initial stages of map creation. This involves providing practical guidance to ensure that the entire cartographic system complements accessible basemaps. The firm is also creating a cartographic style guide for AIR’s print mapping workflows, aiming to provide a consistent visual framework for cohesive, clear, and accessible maps. This ongoing effort suggests a broader movement towards embedding accessibility as a core component of good design practices within the GIS and mapping industry. Future developments will likely include more widespread adoption of accessible basemaps and design principles, potentially influencing software developers and cartographers to prioritize inclusivity in their tools and creations.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiative by Blue Raster extends beyond mere technical adjustments; it represents a shift in the ethical and cultural dimensions of information design. By prioritizing accessibility, the firm is challenging the traditional 'typical user' paradigm and advocating for a more equitable approach to visual communication. This move could trigger long-term shifts in how data is visualized and presented across various sectors, from urban planning to public health, where maps play a crucial role. The emphasis on universal design principles in cartography could also inspire other fields to re-evaluate their design processes to be more inclusive. Ultimately, this fosters a more informed and engaged society by ensuring that critical geographic information is comprehensible and available to everyone, regardless of their visual capabilities.
