Our mission
Our mission is to evaluate, extend and – if needed – redefine traditional mapping practices by championing principles of inclusion, diversity, and accessibility.
In our pursuit, we aim to dismantle barriers that have long hindered marginalized communities from fully participating in and benefiting from the power of maps.
Within this website, you’ll uncover a wealth of information about our group’s activities, ranging from collaborative projects and research endeavours to educational resources designed to empower mapmakers and enthusiasts alike. We invite you to delve into the background and principles underpinning Inclusive Cartography.
Whether you’re a seasoned cartographer, a curious newcomer, or simply someone who believes in the transformative potential of maps, we invite you to join us on this journey toward a more inclusive and equitable cartographic landscape. Together, let us chart a course toward a future where every map tells a story of belonging, accessibility, and empowerment.
Objectives
The primary objective of this working group would be to discern the existing gaps in both theoretical research and practical applications within the realm of barrier free cartography. This encompasses understanding the unique needs of various special-needs groups, such as the visually impaired, the elderly, minorities and individuals with mental disorders, and addressing those needs effectively.
We aspire to devise uncomplicated, cost-effective, and dependable methods for producing maps and visualisations that adhere to universal design principles. Additionally, we would be committed to a participatory approach, wherein stakeholders and lived experience experts are actively engaged in the development, assessment, and validation of the solutions proposed by the working group.
The objectives of this working group can be categorized into two distinct spheres: methodological and practical.
Methodological objectives
- Establishing clear guidelines: develop comprehensive rules and principles governing the creation of barrier free cartographic solutions. These guidelines will promote repeatability and ensure a consistent level of quality across products, irrespective of the developer.
- Universal design integration: advocate for the integration of universal design principles into the field of cartography, ensuring that the resulting solutions are accessible to a wide spectrum of users.
- Participatory approach: continually engage and collaborate with lived experience experts throughout the research and development process, inviting their insights and feedback.
Practical objectives
- Prototype development: create functional prototype products and services aimed at addressing the unique needs of individuals with special requirements. These prototypes will serve as a foundation for the eventual production of end products.
- Stakeholder approval: seek approval and validation of these prototype solutions, ensuring that the end products are aligned with the actual needs and preferences of the target user groups.
