The concepts of inclusivity and accessibility have garnered increased attention in recent times, owing to the heightened societal consciousness on this matter. The ICA’s Inclusive Cartography Working Group was established in the beginning of 2024 to continue and extend the work of the former Commission on Maps and Graphics for Blind and Partially Sighted People.
Mission
Our mission is to transform traditional mapping practices by prioritizing inclusion, diversity, and accessibility. We aim to dismantle barriers that have historically excluded marginalized communities from the benefits of maps. Our website offers information on our activities, including collaborative projects, research, and educational resources to empower mapmakers and enthusiasts. We invite everyone, from seasoned cartographers to curious newcomers, to join us in creating a more inclusive and equitable cartographic landscape.
Objectives
Our working group focuses on identifying gaps in both theoretical research and practical applications in inclusive cartography. We aim to understand and address the unique needs of various special-needs groups, such as the visually impaired, elderly, minorities, and individuals with mental disorders.
Methodological objectives include developing clear guidelines for creating barrier-free cartographic solutions, integrating universal design principles into cartography, and engaging lived experience experts throughout the research and development process.
Practical objectives involve developing functional prototypes to meet the needs of individuals with special requirements and seeking stakeholder approval to ensure alignment with user needs and preferences.
Action Plan
| Action item | Deliverable |
| Knowledge dissemination: promote the exchange and dissemination of research-related information within the realm of barrier free cartography through diverse channels, including publications, collaborative meetings, seminars, and dedicated websites. | Consistently maintain the working group’s communication channels, represent the group at relevant events in order to share knowledge about barrier free cartography. |
| Interdisciplinary collaboration: collaborate effectively with other institutions and ICA Commissions to leverage and integrate cartographic knowledge across various forms of multisensory expression. | Engage in joint initiatives and knowledge sharing with, for instance, the Commission on Cartography and Children, Commission on User Experience, Commission on Generalisation and Multiple Representation and other pertinent partners to advance the field of barrier free cartography. |
| Continuous training: sustain a commitment to ongoing education and training by providing experts to conduct workshops on the subject of barrier free cartography. | Promote and organize workshops (e.g. a joint workshop at one of the upcoming International Cartographic Conferences), including e-learning options, to facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices within the accessible cartography community. |
You can find the complete Terms of Reference here.
