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AI-Generated Alternative Text for Map Images

Updated: Jill Bobrick Igl Edited:

Making your interactive map more accessible helps ensure that all users—including those who rely on screen readers—can engage with your content. To support this, we now offer an optional service where, upon request, our team can run a script to identify images on your map that do not have alternative text (“alt text”) and automatically add AI-generated descriptions.

This feature saves you time, helps your maps pass automated accessibility scans, and ensures all your images have at least a baseline level of accessibility support.

 

How It Works

We can run a one-time batch update that will:

  1. Identify missing alt text - We scan your interactive map to locate any images without existing alt text. Note - this will not update any existing image alt text that exists currently. 

  2. Generate text with AI - For each image missing alt text, our AI analyzes the image content itself, combined with:

    • Location name

    • Location description

    • Latitude and longitude coordinates

    The AI then creates a concise, meaningful description that follows best practices inspired by WebAIM’s guidance on alternative text.

  3. Apply requirements

    • Text is always 120 characters or fewer.

    • Descriptions aim to be short, accurate, and useful for screen reader users.

  4. Add the text  - The generated alt text is automatically added to the map images missing it. 

  5. Receive a report - After the process is complete, you’ll get a detailed report listing every image updated and the exact alt text that was applied.

 

Your Role

  • Review carefully: Use the report to confirm that each AI-generated description is accurate. You are responsible for ensuring the alternative text truly represents the image.

  • Edit as needed: Adjust wording to better reflect the image’s purpose or context. All edits need to be made within the content management system directly. For more guidance, see our related article: Alternative Text for Interactive Map Images.

  • Remember: Bad or misleading alt text can actually be worse for users than no alt text at all.

 

Why Use This Service?

  • Pass accessibility scans: Automated accessibility tests will no longer flag missing alt text.

  • Save time: Alt text is added automatically for every missing case.

  • Get a solid starting point: AI ensures every image has some meaningful description in place, ready for you to refine.

  • Improve user experience: More complete, accurate maps mean better navigation for all visitors.

  • Support inclusivity: Accessible maps expand your audience and show your commitment to accessibility.

 

Tips for Success

  • Use the AI-generated report as your checklist for refining text where needed.

  • Keep edits short and descriptive—avoid filler words like “image of” or “picture of.”

  • Ask yourself: Would this text help someone who can’t see the image understand its meaning in context?

 

How to Get Started?

Getting set up is quick and easy:

  1. Contact our team: Send an email to support@concept3d.com and let us know you’d like to request the AI-generated alt text bulk update for your interactive map.

  2. Provide your map details. In your email, be sure to include:

    • The name of your interactive map and your map ID or direct link to the map

    • Your preferred timeline, if applicable

  3. We’ll confirm and run the update: Our team will let you know your request was received. Once the script is run, the missing alt text will be automatically added.

  4. Review your report: After the update, you’ll receive a detailed report listing every image updated and the alt text generated for it. Use this as your checklist to refine descriptions directly in the CMS as needed.

 

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