Enhancing accessibility to web mapping systems with technology-aligned adaptive profiles

Figures & data

Figure 1. Example of an information-rich presentation in Google Maps (Google Inc 2005b).

Figure 2. High-level representation of inputs to a user model.

Table 1. Example of profiles for the quantitative adaptive aspects of a web mapping system.

	Profiles
	Basic	Intermediate	Advanced
Information Content	Only the most relevant information is presented, pertaining to major features in high-relevance spatial layers, with little to no contextual information.	Multiple high-relevance spatial layers are presented in the map along with basic contextual information and descriptions.	Graphically rich maps are presented with a great degree of detail across multiple spatial layers. Detailed information and descriptions are presented along with the map itself. Information related to position, motion or orientation is presented if available.
Functionality	Only the most commonly used tools are made available, to accomplish basic operations such as navigation and enquiry.	Commonly used tools are available, as well as a small range of more advanced functionalities, such as measuring or advanced search, allowing users to dig deeper into the information presented.	The full range of capabilities is exposed, allowing the user to take maximum advantage of the information and analysis capabilities of the system. Capabilities requiring position, orientation or motion input are activated if support is available.
Presentation	A small palette of contrasting colours is used to separate key information from background information. Large text and intuitive pictures are used where possible.	Pictures are used in combination with text and descriptive icons to help convey more information. Colours are used to categorise similar information and capabilities, allowing more content to be presented in an organised fashion.	Rich styles are used to achieve a visually pleasing presentation, and to allow users to interpret the information according to multiple criteria simultaneously through a combination of fonts, colours, and graphic styles. Device orientation is reflected if compass information is available.
Technical demands	Only minimal code is executed on the client platform to maintain performance; minimal information is sent to reduce bandwidth requirements, and only key components may be shown to accommodate for smaller screen sizes. Example: smartphone	Some components may be hidden to accommodate for a slightly smaller than usual screen size. Information is limited to exclude less relevant details, and detail may be decreased to accommodate for reduced bandwidth. Computationally demanding capabilities are omitted. Example: tablet/netbook	All information is sent at full fidelity, as no bandwidth or memory constraints are assumed to be present. No functionality is omitted, and computationally intensive features are made available if required.

Table 2. Example of profiles for the qualitative adaptive aspects of a web mapping system.

	Profiles
	Apple iOS 5.1 Browser	Android 4.1 Browser	Internet Explorer 9	Mozilla Firefox 14
Technical Compatibility	Components requiring support for Java, Flash or WebGL are omitted. File uploads are disabled. Challenge user for authentication. Position, orientation and motion input is used if the device supports it.	Components requiring support for Java are disabled. Flash support must be detected before used. Challenge user for authentication. Position, orientation and motion input is used if the device supports it.	Enable support for Flash and Java if support detected. Components requiring support for WebGL are disabled. Rely on single sign-on for authentication. Position input is used if the device supports it.	Enable support for Flash, Java and WebGL if support detected. Challenge user for authentication. Position input is used if the device supports it.
	Surveying	Planning	Environmental
Domain-specific Content	Enable surveying related layers and tools as well as base data.	Enable planning related layers and tools as well as base data.	Enable environmental related layers and tools as well as base data.

Figure 3. Selection and application of adaptive profiles on the basis of interpreted user criteria from user profiles.

Figure 4. Variability in platforms and browsers from July 2008 to July 2012.

Figure 5. Decision-tree for selecting a profile for the adaptive aspect of computation demand using platform parameters.

Figure 6. Decision-tree for selecting a profile for the adaptive aspects of information content and functionality using screen size and inferred computer proficiency.