Static Maps Accessibility Guide for Government Teams
Updated for federal, state, and local U.S. government teams—no technical background needed. You handle compliance for static PDF maps on public sites. Target WCAG 2.2 AA to meet ADA Title II and state laws like Colorado HB 21-1110. Larger agencies: April 24, 2026 deadline.
You outsource complex work, but management wants you to fix what you can. This guide gives simple steps + AI shortcuts.
What the Law Says (Keep It Simple)
Federal rule (ADA Title II): All web content/PDFs must follow WCAG 2.2 AA—no exceptions for maps used by the public.
State rules (like CO HB 21-1110): WCAG 2.1 AA minimum. Do WCAG 2.2 to cover everything.
Easy wins: Add an accessibility notice on map pages with two contact options (email/phone). Offer text lists as backups.
Mindset: "Progress, not perfection"—document your efforts.
5 Quick Fixes for Your Maps
Maps trip up screen readers. Start here:
Alt text: Short description of what it shows + where to get details (for example, “Map of city parks with trails. See data table below.”). No pixel-by-pixel.
Colors: Text/graphics must contrast sharply (4.5:1 test). Ask GIS for “high-contrast” versions.
No color-only info: Add patterns or labels so color-blind users get it.
Clear labels: Make sure every part has a name screen readers can read.
Export smart: Tell GIS to use ArcGIS Pro “accessible PDF” option.
Use AI for Alt Text (Your New Best Friend)
You draft. GIS checks. No expertise needed.
Copy this prompt into ChatGPT, Claude, or any AI—with your map screenshot:
Act as a digital accessibility expert for US agencies creating public-facing content. For this static map PDF, recommend a simple tag structure (<H1> title, <Figure> logo, <Figure> map) and write concise alt text that summarizes purpose, area, and 3–5 key features, plus a reference to where the underlying data lives in an accessible format (like a data table, web app, or linked shapefile).
Tips: Aim for 1–3 sentences. Forward to GIS for verification.
Fix Maps in Acrobat Pro (5 Steps, No Coding)
Requires Acrobat Pro. Goal: Just 3 tags—title as <H1>, agency logo as <Figure>, map as <Figure>.
Wipe junk tags: Left sidebar > Tags > Right-click top “Tags” > Delete Tag.
Auto-build: Right Tools > Accessibility > Autotag Document.
Assign roles: Accessibility > Reading Order. Drag-select: Title = Heading 1, Logo = Figure, Map area = Figure.
Add alt text: Accessibility > Set Alternate Text. Paste your AI draft > Save.
Quick check: Accessibility > Full Check. Fix easy ones (add Title, Language). Spot-check colors.
Before You Publish: Quick Checklist
Review each map with these yes/no questions.
Legal basics
Public-facing for services? Needs WCAG 2.2 fixes.
Page has accessibility notice + two contacts?
Backup plan for complex maps (text list)?
Visual checks
Text/graphics contrast sharply?
Info works without color alone?
Fonts easy to read?
Alt text basics
Describes purpose + main points?
Points to data table/web version?
GIS okayed it? No “image of...” fluff?
PDF basics
Tagged/logical order?
Links work with keyboard?
Passes basic check?
Wrap-up
Archived right (old/research-only)?
Note your fixes for bosses?
Exceptions (When You Can Skip)
True archives: Made pre-2026, research-only, special folder, untouched.
Old files: Still provide text version on request.
Helpful Links
Esri tools: Accessibility Essentials, Accessible PDFs, Contrast Maps
Federal: ADA Title II, WCAG 2.2
State example (CO): OIT Guide
Free checkers: WAVE, Siteimprove
Disclaimer: Practical guide, not legal advice. Check with your legal/OIT team. Always have GIS review AI work.
📩 Need backup? Write-Brained Editorial Services handles PDF remediation, proposals, and full 508 compliance for Colorado and federal agencies. Contact us at hello@writebrainedits.com or visit www.writebrainedits.com.
