Developing and Evaluating Visual, Auditory, and Tactile and Text Digital Thematic Map Viewer to Provide Blind and Low Vision Individuals Full Access to Thematic Maps for the First Time

Project Abstract This proposal aims to transform the accessibility of digital thematic maps for the 285 million blind and low vision (BLI) individuals worldwide. Thematic maps are essential for understanding complex data in various domains, including climate analysis, electoral processes, and emergency management. However, these maps are currently inaccessible to BLI individuals, as screen readers often fail to recognize them, and they lack customization options for low vision users. If an alternative is provided, it is a simple table lacking any geographic information. This project seeks to commercialize Audiom, an innovative, multimodal, and Large Language Model (LLM) chat-based digital map viewer. Unlike existing alternatives, Audiom is designed to be fully compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), enabling BLI individuals to engage fully in scientific and civic domains. The project will develop Audiom from a prototype into a fully commercial platform that integrates with mainstream map tools, laying the groundwork for further research into non-visual and multimodal cartography. Audiom offers a unique visual experience for low vision users, allowing customization through speech, textures, and high contrast borders. For non-visual users, Audiom provides an auditory and tactile experience, enabling navigation through a map with arrow keys or touchscreen swipes, with pitch and speech indicating the value of features. The specific aims of this project are threefold: 1) Optimize user performance with the Audiom interface through user-centered design iterations; 2) Execute community-based comparative usability studies to evaluate Audiom's effectiveness for BLI and sighted users; and 3) Create, commercialize, and distribute a productionready Software Development Kit (SDK) for accessible digital thematic maps, facilitating easy integration with existing digital map tools. By achieving these aims, Audiom will not only make thematic maps accessible to BLI individuals, ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act for government entities, but also make mainstream the field of non-visual cartography. The commercialization of Audiom will empower BLI scientists, enhance civic participation, and improve the quality of life for BLI individuals by allowing them to use digital maps for the first time.