Alt text examples › Maps
A map is almost never decorative, and almost never fully describable in alt text. Decide what the map is for. A location map is an address, so write the address. A directions map is a route, so give the route in text. A data map is a chart, so state the pattern. Embedded interactive maps need a text alternative next to them.
| # | The image | Bad alt | Good alt | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Static map showing the location of a shop | map | Map showing Acme Coffee at 12 Market Street, Bristol, next to Temple Meads station | A location map is an address plus a landmark. |
| 2 | Map image of a delivery service area | delivery map | Delivery area: all postcodes within 5 miles of central Leeds; full list below | Service areas need a list users can check their own location against. |
| 3 | Directions map from a train station to a venue | directions | Walking route from Central Station to the venue: 8 minutes, exit north and follow Queen Street; directions below | Routes belong in step-by-step text; the alt summarises. |
| 4 | Choropleth map of unemployment by US state | map of USA | Map of US unemployment by state: highest in Nevada and California, lowest in the Dakotas | Data maps are charts: give the pattern and extremes. |
| 5 | Store locator image with 40 pins | map with pins | Map of 40 store locations across the UK; the list of stores is below | Too many points for alt: count plus a pointer to the list. |
| 6 | Hiking trail map | trail | Trail map: 6 km loop from the car park around Lake Ellis, 200 m climb | Distance, shape and effort answer the hiker's questions. |
| 7 | Historical map illustrating an article | old map | 1850 map of London showing the city ending at Hyde Park in the west | Historical maps illustrate a point; say what the article uses it for. |
| 8 | Small map icon linking to Google Maps | map icon | Open in Google Maps | A functional icon: describe the action. |
WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A). For maps that show many points or a complex route, give a short alt and the full information as text (an address, a list of locations, written directions). The full requirement is explained in our guide to WCAG 1.1.1 alt text requirements.
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