1. Accessibility commitment
GeoLayers aims to align new public-site and core Studio experiences with WCAG 2.2 Level AA principles where reasonably practicable. This is a goal and engineering standard, not a claim that every historical specialist tool currently conforms fully.
2. Current accessibility features
GeoLayers includes or is progressively implementing:
- semantic page structure and heading hierarchy;
- keyboard-operable navigation and controls;
- skip links to key content areas;
- visible focus indicators;
- accessible names for buttons and forms;
- light and dark themes;
- high-contrast and larger-text preferences in the Studio;
- reduced-motion handling for non-essential animations;
- responsive layouts and touch-friendly controls;
- ARIA live feedback for selected dynamic interactions; and
- map-region labels and keyboard focus support in the core workspace.
3. Geospatial accessibility challenges
Interactive maps, dense attribute tables, charts, drag-and-drop interfaces and 3D scenes can be difficult to make equivalent across every assistive technology. GeoLayers seeks to provide text labels, tables, summaries, keyboard actions or export alternatives where practical, but some advanced spatial interactions may still require a pointer or visual interpretation.
4. Known limitations
Some older standalone GIS and planning tools predate the shared v1.56 accessibility layer and are being migrated progressively. Third-party maps, embedded content, external documents or datasets may have accessibility limitations outside GeoLayers' control.
5. Motion and visual effects
The GeoLayers 2.0 public website uses animated geospatial backgrounds and interface transitions. Non-essential motion is reduced or disabled where the browser reports prefers-reduced-motion. Users can also choose interface preferences in supported Studio areas.
6. Supported browsers and assistive technology
GeoLayers is designed for current mainstream browsers. Accessibility behavior can vary by browser, operating system and assistive technology. If a workflow is inaccessible in one combination, please report the browser, operating system, assistive technology and affected page/tool.
7. Documents and downloads
GeoLayers will aim to make newly created first-party documents accessible where practical. Third-party documents linked from data or planning resources remain the responsibility of their publishers.
8. Feedback and assistance
If you encounter an accessibility barrier or need information in another reasonable format, contact info@geolayers.co.za with:
- the page or tool;
- the problem encountered;
- your browser/device or assistive technology if relevant; and
- the format or adjustment that would help.
GeoLayers will consider reasonable remediation and alternative access options based on the nature of the request and available technology.
9. Ongoing review
Accessibility will be reviewed as the platform evolves, particularly for navigation, forms, keyboard operation, color contrast, tables, dynamic panels, maps and newly introduced product modules.