Building Layout and Maps

For many visitors, especially those with mobility, sensory, or cognitive disabilities, understanding the layout of a building before they arrive is essential for a successful visit.

Why Maps and Layouts Matter

A map isn’t just a picture; it’s a tool for planning. Visitors need to know:

Which levels are accessible and how to move between them.
Where key facilities (accessible toilets, quiet rooms, lifts) are located in relation to where they enter.
The “flow” of the building to avoid dead-ends or overwhelming spaces.

Best Practices for Digital Maps

1. Simplify and Focus

Don’t just upload a complex architectural floor plan. Create a simplified version that highlights:

Accessible Routes: CLEAR paths that avoid stairs or heavy manual doors.
Key Points of Interest: Toilets, elevators, seating areas, and reception.
Step-Free Access: Clearly mark which entrances and areas are level or ramped.

2. Multi-Level Support

If your building has multiple floors, provide a way to switch between levels.

Level Descriptions: Use clear, consistent names (e.g., “Level 0 / Ground Floor”).
Vertical Circulation: Explicitly show where the lifts and accessible stairs are.

3. Machine-Readability and Alt-Text

Maps are highly visual. You MUST provide a text-based alternative.

Tactile Maps: State if you have physical tactile maps available at reception for blind or low-vision visitors.
Detailed Alt-Text: Describe the layout in words: “The ground floor contains the cafe to the left of the entrance and the accessible toilets at the far end of the main corridor.”

Interactive vs. Static

Static Images: High-contrast, scalable SVG or high-resolution PNG files.
Interactive Maps: If using interactive maps (like Mapbox or Google Maps indoors), ensure they are keyboard-navigable and compatible with screen readers.

[!TIP] Sensory Mapping: Consider adding a “Quiet/Busy” overlay to your map to help neurodivergent visitors identify areas with high sensory input.