Background

Much like numerous other facets of life, individuals with special needs remain underrepresented in the field of cartography. This underrepresentation may stem from the intricate and nuanced nature of their requirements, coupled with the need for highly tailored solutions to address these unique needs. Addressing these challenges necessitates a profound comprehension of the distinct requirements of these users and an agile approach to the proposed solutions, which may include the consideration of non-standard, albeit often costly, technical interventions.

Recent studies have increasingly incorporated cutting-edge technologies into the production of maps and graphics tailored to the needs of individuals with various special needs. Consequently, there is an urgent call for the contemplation of genuinely barrier-free cartography—a paradigm that seeks to provide individuals with special needs access to high-quality maps and graphics that cater to the widest possible audience while preserving their inherent quality.

Barrier-free cartography thus should focus on ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in cartographic design and map usage. It should tackle, among others, these aspects:

1. Accessible design principles. Explore (cartographic) design principles and techniques that make maps more accessible (to individuals with disabilities or special needs? What about social/cultural inclusiveness?).
2. Inclusive (spatial) data representation. Strategies for representing diverse geographic information in a way that is meaningful and accessible to all users (cultural perspectives, non-Western geographic knowledge, language barriers in map design).
3. User-centered design. The importance of user-centered design approaches in creating barrier-free maps by actively involving individuals with disabilities or special needs in the design process, soliciting feedback, and iterating on designs to address user preferences and requirements.
4. Policy and standards. Explore existing policies, guidelines, and standards related to accessibility in cartography, and advocate for the development of new standards where needed (government agencies, advocacy groups/NGOs, standards organizations (ISO?)) to promote accessibility and inclusion in mapping and GI practices.
5. Education and training. Provide resources and training opportunities for cartographers, GIS professionals, and educators to enhance their understanding of barrier-free cartography principles and techniques aimed at raising awareness and building capacity in the field.
6. (Navigation assistance. Investigate methods for providing navigation assistance to individuals with mobility and visual impairments.)

Engagement of stakeholders

Engagement of stakeholders to ensure significant strides towards creating more inclusive and equitable maps for all users:

1. Cartographers and GIS professionals, including government agencies, academia, private industry, and NGOs.
2. Individuals with disabilities, who may benefit from accessible maps due to mobility impairments, visual impairments, cognitive impairments, or other disabilities (social/cultural inclusiveness?).
3. Advocacy groups, including organizations that advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities, e.g., disability rights organizations, accessibility advocates, and community groups.
4. Government agencies, who are responsible for developing and implementing policies and standards related to accessibility, including national and local government agencies, transportation authorities, and (urban/city) planning departments.
5. Educators and researchers, involved in teaching and researching cartography, GIS, geography, social inclusiveness, and equity to support knowledge exchange and best practices.
6. Technology providers (private sector), developing mapping software, mobile applications, and assistive technologies.

Sustainable Development Goals

Mapping relevant UN’s SDGs:

1. Goal 4: Quality Education. Promoting inclusive educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities (e.g., geography, urban planning). Accessible maps and geographic information enhance learning experiences and enable people with diverse abilities (not only physical and mental) to access information, navigate their environments, and participate fully in educational activities.
2. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. Playing a crucial role in reducing inequalities by ensuring that geographic information, maps, and navigation tools are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, creating more inclusive and equitable societies.
3. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Accessible maps and navigation systems foster the development of inclusive and accessible cities and communities. The mitigation of spatial inequalities and support of independent and safe navigation and wayfinding create livable, sustainable, and inclusive cities for all residents.
4. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Accessible maps and geographic information enable people with disabilities to participate more fully in civic life, access legal and government services, promote access to justice, and exercise their rights as citizens.

Direct and indirect impact of BfC WG on SDGs

Primary Focus:

1. SDG 10: Reducing (spatial) inequalities – the work of the BfC WG will directly address the need to reduce (spatial) inequalities. This will be achieved by serving as a platform for scientific – academic and industry led – that supports advancement to ensure that maps, (Location-based Services) technologies and GI are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their physical, cognitive and social abilities and aptitudes.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – the BfC WG will play a crucial role for advocating the needs and preferences of individuals and communities to support the creation of inclusive and accessible urban environments. This will be mainly be directed towards policy makers and government agencies.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education – the BfC WG work will work closely with educators and researchers to support and facilitate accessible geographic learning, namely making sure that inclusive and affordable maps and GI are made freely accessible for education purposes. This will enable students with disabilities equal access to GI, promoting their learning and (social) participation. In part, this work will support SDG 1 (poverty reduction) by empowering individuals with disabilities to access resources and opportunities within their communities.

Secondary Focus:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – the BfC WG will work closely with health researchers (e.g., urban planning, active mobility) to promote accessible cartography. This work will contribute to promoting good health and well-being by enabling individuals with disabilities to navigate their environments safely and independently.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – the BfC WG will support ethical and equity research to promote social justice by advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities to access information and participate fully in society.

The concepts of inclusivity and accessibility have garnered increased attention in recent times, owing to the heightened societal consciousness on this matter. Notably, the International Cartographic Association (ICA) has been at the forefront of presenting research on tactile cartography since the 1980s, with the Commission on Maps and Graphics for Blind and Partially Sighted People playing a pivotal role in disseminating these insights among member countries.