Writing Image-Map Text Alternatives
Writing Image-Map Text Alternatives records a distinct W3C-supported accessibility writing task while keeping implementation mechanics outside the writing guidance.
For an image map, write an overall alternative that explains the map’s context and a distinct alternative for each hotspot that states its destination or action.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
This guide covers text-alternative wording; coordinate geometry, responsive hotspot behavior, and redundant-link implementation are separate technical concerns.
Further guidance
Content
Give the image an overall contextual alternative, then give each interactive hotspot wording that identifies the linked destination, person, place, or action.
Practical Application
Write one overall alternative that establishes what the map represents, then give every interactive hotspot a distinct label that identifies its destination or action.
Purpose
Users who cannot perceive the map visually need both the context of the whole image and meaningful labels for each selectable region.
Reader Check
Can a nonvisual user understand both the purpose of the whole image and what will happen when each selectable region is activated?
Worked Example
For a campus map, use an overall alternative such as “Campus building map,” then label hotspots “Library,” “Student services,” and “Science building” rather than “Area 1,” “Area 2,” and “Area 3.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Image Maps — W3C WAI Images Tutorial (opens in a new tab)World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) · W3C WAI guidance for overall and per-hotspot text alternatives in image maps.