When Colorado passed HB21-1110, a law designed to guarantee that all government services are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities, it signaled a significant shift in how public data is presented. For organizations like Blue Raster, this was an opportunity to lead the way in creating more inclusive and accessible GIS mapping solutions using Esri technology.
Our journey began with a clear understanding of the stakes. The new law wasn’t just about compliance; it was about making critical water data available to all citizens, regardless of their abilities. We knew that for the City of Aurora Water District, which plays a crucial role in public health and safety, accessibility was paramount. That’s where our expertise in Esri’s ArcGIS Pro and our partnership with a local GIS authority in Colorado came into play.
Understanding Compliance: Meeting the Mandate of HB21-1110
The first step in our project was to fully grasp the requirements set forth by HB21-1110. This meant diving deep into the guidelines and ensuring that every aspect of our work met section 508 standards, which dictate how digital content should be made accessible to people with disabilities. But compliance wasn’t just about ticking boxes—it was about genuinely improving access for all.
To achieve this, we focused on developing a color palette and symbology in Esri’s ArcGIS Pro that would be easily distinguishable by everyone, including those with color blindness. This approach was crucial to ensuring that no one would be excluded from accessing the vital water data.
Crafting an Accessible Color Schema: A Balancing Act
Creating an accessible color schema was more than just a design challenge; it was a balancing act. We needed to adhere to industry standards while also making sure that our designs were inclusive. This involved carefully selecting and testing colors to guarantee they would be visible and distinct across various types of color blindness.
Aleah Ross, Blue Raster’s UI/UX Designer, played a critical role in this process. Her expertise and attention to detail were instrumental in developing a color palette that not only complied with HB21-1110 but also enhanced the overall user experience. Through rigorous testing and the use of accessibility tools in ArcGIS Pro, we created a palette that made the City of Aurora data visually accessible to a broad audience, regardless of their visual capabilities.
Designing for Clarity: Symbology and Tools
Once the color palette was established, we turned our attention to the symbols used in the maps. With over 120 feature layers, each containing multiple symbols, clarity and differentiation were paramount. We utilized tools like Esri ArcGIS Pro to update existing symbols and create new ones that would be easily recognizable, even for users with visual impairments.
The goal was to make sure that each layer of information was clear and accessible, without sacrificing the complexity and detail that professionals rely on. By blending innovative design with industry standards, we created a map that was both functional and inclusive.
Overcoming Challenges: Guaranteeing Accessibility Across All Layers
Throughout the project, we encountered several challenges. Making sure that each layer of information was distinguishable was no small feat, especially with the need to maintain industry consistency. However, by carefully selecting contrasting colors and designing unique symbols, we overcame these obstacles.
One of the most significant challenges was balancing the need for detailed, complex symbols with the requirement for simplicity and clarity. In some cases, this meant completely redesigning symbols to better serve all users. In others, it involved making subtle adjustments that enhanced visibility without altering the symbol’s meaning.
Setting a New Standard in Accessibility
Our work on this project not only fulfilled the requirements of Colorado law HB21-1110 but also set a new standard in accessible map design. By thoughtfully selecting colors and designing symbols that accommodate all users, we created a city water data map that is inclusive, effective, and accessible to everyone.
This project is more than just a compliance exercise; it’s a demonstration of our commitment to making critical information available to all, regardless of their abilities. As we look to the future, we see this as a model for how GIS technology can be used to create more inclusive public services.
