Results for Google Maps
Description
Google Maps allows users to find areas all over the world, share locations. Editing each map allows annotation of locations with images (e.g. using links from flickr), and other rich text features. Now they provide cut and paste code (via the "Link to this Page") so you can embed the maps in any web page. It is also possible to share maps via e-mail and find directions and businesses and add photos and wiki links.
Accessibility Testing Results
The main problem is that it is hard to add alt tags to any pictorial alterations or make maps accessible. Frames upset the linearisation of the site and tab order is also affected although initial links are good. Feedback from forms is good and so is colour contrast. Text sizes are small in places but the site zooms well. The maps are clear and easy to use if vision is good.
| # | Test | Score | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Login, Signup and Other Forms Accessible |  |
There are no labels on any forms, but an alternative Captcha is offered. There are problems for screenreader users and the audio option is not clear. |
| 2 | Image ALT Attributes | |
This site offers map content, which would be near-impossible to represent in a text-form. Photos and other items have alt attributes if these have been added by users and are accessible via keyboard. |
| 3 | Link Target Definitions |  |
All links, including images which would otherwise be ambiguous, have titles to uniquely identify them. |
| 4 | Frame Titles and Layout |  |
This site does use forms, and at least one frame has an ambiguous name. This may create problems for some screenreaders. |
| 5 | Removal of Stylesheet |  |
The map disappears when styles are removed from the page. |
| 6 | Audio/Video Features | |
Maps created by users can have a text description associated with them. |
| 7 | Video/animations - audio descriptions | |
There is no chance to add an audio description unless the map in embedded into a personal website with that option. |
| 8 | Appropriate use of Tables | |
Tables are used to construct this site - this may cause some screenreaders to read the content in the wrong order. |
| 9 | Tab Orderings Correct and Logical | |
When a keyboard is used, items are usually presented in a logical order, although some are not. |
| 10 | Page Functionality with Keyboard | |
This product requires a drag and drop operation with a pointing device to pan the map. |
| 11 | Accessibility of Text Editors | |
No rich text editor is used on this site. |
| 12 | Appropriate Feedback with Forms | |
The product provides suitable feedback when the user performs an action. |
| 13 | Contrast and Colour Check | |
No contrast issues. Colours are clear and offer comfortable viewing. |
| 14 | Page Integrity when Zooming | |
The website maintains the layout and usability of all critical areas perfectly when zoomed. |
| 15 | Text size, style, blinking elements and Readability | |
The majority of text on the site is size ten, which is readable but may be uncomfortable for some. |
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.
| Disability | Average Score |
|---|---|
| Visual Stress | 78% |
| Specific Learning Differences (including Dyslexia) | 67% |
| Deaf/Hard of Hearing | 67% |
| Partially Sighted and Visual Acuity | 63% |
| Cognitive Learning Disabilities | 56% |
| Dexterity/Mobility | 50% |
| Colour Deficiencies | 45% |
| Blind and Severe Visual Impairments | 45% |
