Web²Access

Results for Google Earth

Description

Google Earth provides satellite images of the earth, maps and 3D models. There are views of underwater areas, the skies and planets. It is a free download for Windows, Mac and Linux, can be used as a browser add-in and an iPhone app. It is possible to share tours and embed maps into web pages.

Accessibility Testing Results

Overall, Google Earth fails most of the accessibility checks if one is using a screen reader, but it does have some plus points as mentioned by Tim O'Brien in his blog Accessibility Improvement in Google Earth 5.0". It can be very helpful for zooming to view areas. Font styles can be changed by zoom but are very small at times and some are not very readable. However, keyboard shortcut keys are offered to achieve the basic functions. You can choose multiple languages and for those who want a very visual way of learning about places around the world this is an exciting and free program.

#	Test	Score	Summary
16	Built in accessibility checks		The menus respond well to the built in assistive technologies but the do not all work when it comes to manipulating the maps.
17	Application works with External Assistive Technologies		Some menu and additional features respond to external AT. The views of map are not accessible to a screen reader user as they are all images that would require extensive descriptions. It also hard to use all the navigational tools if you are using switch access.
18	Text or other alternatives for image elements.		It is possible to add some annotations to the maps such as tags, but as the whole program is based around maps and images these aspects are not accessible to all.
19	Keyboard / Alternative input with focus		The keyboard can be used for all basic function of application, even turn and zoom the earth. However the special features on the map do not allow for keyboard or switch access.
20	Labels for objects, fields or controls		Labels are well placed and descriptive.
21	Audio alerts have visual cues		There do not appear to be any audible alerts that apply during the use of the program.
22	Alternatives for Video / Animation		The maps move and zoom via a series of controls. None of these features are described as you watch the changes.
23	Media events offer user control		Clear standard interface design with standard controls for all media elements
24	Textual Information for screen reader		Only a limited amount of information can be heard by a screen reader user. Elements within the main menus and maps failed.
25	Keyboard shortcut keys offered		Basic functions can be used with keyboard shortcuts, but not special features.
26	Save user preferences for style and zoom		It is possible to change font size by zoom only. But it should be noted that the zooom is very good for maps.
27	Timed events can be altered		There are no timed events
28	Change colours and contrast		The application responds to system colour changes but there are no colour options on the software application
29	Uniform and standardised presentation		All menus and dialog boxes etc are offered in a manner that is consistent with known operating systems.
30	Documentation		There are help files on-line and a considerable number of support areas. These can be printed out but you have to connected to the internet as there are no files available as part of the program.

Disability-Tailored Results

The following table shows how well the product performs for people with disabilities, as listed in the Disabilities section.

Percentages do not indicate how much of a site is accessible. They indicate the average figure of test results relevant to each disability. Select a disability to see which tests are relevant to it.

Activities you can do with Google Earth

• Image Sharing
• Map Annotation and Directions
• Map Creation