Google Maps - Section 508 Compliance

Date: 9/22/2013

Name of Product: Google Maps (referred to herein as Maps JavaScript API)

Point of Contact:

maps-api-accessibility@google.com

Summary Table
Criteria Supporting Features Remarks
Section 1194.21 Software Applications and Operating Systems Not Applicable -
Section 1194.22 Web-based internet information and applications Applicable Supports with exceptions
Section 1194.23 Telecommunications Products Not Applicable -
Section 1194.24 Video and Multi-media Products Not Applicable -
Section 1194.25 Self-Contained, Closed Products Not Applicable -
Section 1194.26 Desktop and Portable Computers Not Applicable -
Section 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria Applicable Supports with exceptions
Section 1194.41 Information, Documentation, and Support Applicable Supports with exceptions
Section 1194.22 Web-based internet information and applications
Criteria Supporting Feature Remarks
(a) A text equivalent for every non-text element shall be provided (e.g., via "alt", "longdesc", or in element content). Does Not Support No text equivalent for basemap
(b) Equivalent alternatives for any multimedia presentation shall be synchronized with the presentation. N/A Maps JavaScript API does not include any multimedia presentations
(c) Web pages shall be designed so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup. Does Not Support The Styled Maps feature enables developers to change the color of any map features as they please but Maps ultimately do rely on color to differentiate between water and land, etc.
(d) Documents shall be organized so they are readable without requiring an associated style sheet. Supported Only the Javascript file is required
(e) Redundant text links shall be provided for each active region of a server-side image map. N/A Maps JavaScript API does not use any image maps
(f) Client-side image maps shall be provided instead of server-side image maps except where the regions cannot be defined with an available geometric shape. N/A Maps JavaScript API does not use any image maps
(g) Row and column headers shall be identified for data tables. N/A Maps JavaScript API does not use any data tables
(h) Markup shall be used to associate data cells and header cells for data tables that have two or more logical levels of row or column headers. N/A Maps JavaScript API does not use any data tables
Section 1194.22 Web-based internet information and applications (continued)
Criteria Supporting Features Remarks
(i) Frames shall be titled with text that facilitates frame identification and navigation. N/A Maps JavaScript API does not use frames
(j) Pages shall be designed to avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz. Supported
(k) A text-only page, with equivalent information or functionality, shall be provided to make a web site comply with the provisions of this part, when compliance cannot be accomplished in any other way. The content of the text-only page shall be updated whenever the primary page changes. Does not support Maps JavaScript API does not offer a text-only option
(l) When pages utilize scripting languages to display content, or to create interface elements, the information provided by the script shall be identified with functional text that can be read by assistive technology. Does not support Maps JavaScript API is an API based on Javascript and requires scripting to display interface elements
(m) When a web page requires that an applet, plug-in or other application be present on the client system to interpret page content, the page must provide a link to a plug-in or applet that complies with §1194.21(a) through (l). N/A
(n) When electronic forms are designed to be completed on-line, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues. N/A Maps JavaScript API does not include any electronic forms by default. Input boxes are built and integrated by the developer.
(o) A method shall be provided that permits users to skip repetitive navigation links. N/A Maps JavaScript API does not include any repetitive navigation links
(p) When a timed response is required, the user shall be alerted and given sufficient time to indicate more time is required. N/A Maps JavaScript API does not include any timed responses
Section 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria
Criteria Supporting Features Remarks
(a) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user vision shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired shall be provided. Does not support Maps JavaScript API does not expose information programmatically for use with screen readers.
(b) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require visual acuity greater than 20/70 shall be provided in audio and enlarged print output working together or independently, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are visually impaired shall be provided. Supports Maps JavaScript API supports the use of screen magnifiers.
(c) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user hearing shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing shall be provided N/A Maps JavaScript API does not rely on sound to present information.
(d) Where audio information is important for the use of a product, at least one mode of operation and information retrieval shall be provided in an enhanced auditory fashion, or support for assistive hearing devices shall be provided. N/A Maps JavaScript API does not rely on sound to present information.
(e) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user speech shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people with disabilities shall be provided. N/A Maps JavaScript API does not require user speech.
(f) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous actions and that is operable with limited reach and strength shall be provided. Supports with exceptions Maps JavaScript API contains some functionality requiring the use of the mouse (such as moving focus to the 3D viewport).
Section 1194.41 Information, documentation, and support.
Criteria Supporting Features Remarks
(a) Product support documentation provided to end-users shall be made available in alternate formats upon request, at no additional charge. Supports Google Help Centers provide electronic versions of all product support documentation.
(b) End-users shall have access to a description of the accessibility and compatibility features of products in alternate formats or alternate methods upon request, at no additional charge. Supports Google Help Centers provide information on accessibility features in the documentation. Electronic versions of all product support documentation are provided.
(c) Support services for products shall accommodate the communication needs of end-users with disabilities. Supports with exceptions Google Cloud Support services for Maps JavaScript API developers (not end users) can be contacted through e-mail or phone.
Exhibit A - Maps JavaScript API Navigation
Command Windows Keystroke(s) Result
Move left Left arrow Moves the viewport in the direction of the arrow.
Move right Right arrow Moves the viewport in the direction of the arrow.
Move up Up arrow Moves the viewport in the direction of the arrow.
Move down Down arrow Moves the viewport in the direction of the arrow.
Zoom in Scroll wheel, + key, PgUp key Zooms the viewport in. Tip: to use the Page Up key, make sure Num Lock on your keyboard is off.
Zoom out Scroll wheel, - key (both keyboard and numpad), PgDn key Zooms the viewport out. Tip: to use the Page Down key, make sure Num Lock on your keyboard is off.