Accessibility Statement
The University of Greifswald strives to design all of its websites in accordance with Section 13 of the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania State Disability Equality Act (LBGG M-V) so that they can generally be used without restriction by people with limitations and disabilities, as stipulated in the Accessible Information Technology Ordinance of the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (BITVO M-V).
Status of compliance with the requirements
The website for the Interreg project “In terris Gryphi,” including its mobile views, largely complies with the requirements of Section 13 of the LBGG MV.
Content that is not accessible
- Not all controls on interactive maps can be accessed or operated using the keyboard.
- Pop-up windows containing attribute information are not generally designed for keyboard-only operation.
- Maps, as a visual medium, cannot be replaced by alternative text
- Not all images, graphics, maps, and audiovisual content include alternative text.
- No information is provided in German Sign Language or Easy Language.
Reasons for the defects
1. Technical limitations related to the platform
1.1 Problems with keyboard navigation in interactive maps
Not all controls in the portal’s interactive map components are fully accessible via the keyboard. This applies in particular to:
- Zoom sliders and sliders for changing the scale
- Toolbars for map interaction (identify, measure, select)
- Pop-up window with attribute information
Reason: The complex JavaScript-based controls in the map application are not consistently optimized for keyboard-only operation within the underlying ArcGIS Enterprise architecture. Fully resolving this issue would require extensive modifications to the source code of the standard components, which are not feasible within the scope of this project.
1.2 Missing or insufficient text alternatives for map content
Maps, as a visual medium, cannot be provided with alternative text in the traditional sense. The complex geographic information, layer combinations, and thematic representations defy meaningful textual description.
Reasoning: Maps are, by their very nature, visual means of conveying information. It is technically impossible to fully convey all the information contained in a map (spatial relationships, thematic layers, symbols) in textual form, and doing so would defeat the purpose of the map.
2. Editorial restrictions on StoryMaps
2.1 Missing alternative text for embedded media
Some StoryMaps may be missing alternative text for images, graphics, or videos. The authors did not include this information, or included insufficient information, when creating the StoryMaps.
Reason: Responsibility for providing alternative text lies with the editorial staff members who create the content. Although ArcGIS StoryMaps offers a feature for adding alternative text, the portal operator cannot guarantee that all authors will use this feature correctly. Due to the large volume of content and decentralized editorial responsibilities, a comprehensive review and correction of all existing and future StoryMaps cannot be fully guaranteed.
2.2 Inadequate header structure in StoryMaps
In some StoryMaps, the hierarchical structure of headings (H1, H2, H3) may not be implemented correctly.
Reason: Authors are responsible for correctly marking up headings. The platform provides the technical tools but cannot enforce their proper use. Given the large number of StoryMaps and changing editorial responsibilities, structural errors cannot be completely ruled out.
3. The complexity of cartographic representations
3.1 Color Selection and Contrast in Maps
Some maps use color combinations that are difficult for people with color vision deficiencies to distinguish. This is particularly true of thematic maps that use graduated color scales.
Reason: The choice of colors is left to the subject matter experts who create the maps for their specific technical purposes. While ArcGIS Enterprise provides tools for checking color contrast, the use of these tools cannot be monitored for every single map. Technical requirements for the presentation may conflict with accessibility requirements.
3.2 Use of symbols without text equivalents
Maps often use symbols whose meaning can only be understood from the visual context (e.g., point data with different icons).
Reasoning: The meaning of symbols is explained in the legend. However, when using the map interactively, screen reader users have difficulty accessing this information. Due to technical limitations within the existing portal infrastructure, it is not feasible to fully mark up all interactive symbols with ARIA labels for all map types.
4. External Content and Links
4.1 External Map Services (WMS, OWS)
Das Portal bindet externe Kartendienste (WMS, OGC Web Services) ein, auf deren Gestaltung und Barrierefreiheit kein Einfluss besteht.
Begründung: Bei der Einbindung externer Dienste Dritter kann die Portalbetreiberin keine Gewähr für die Barrierefreiheit dieser Dienste übernehmen. Die Kontrolle beschränkt sich auf die technische Einbindung; die Inhalte, Darstellungen und Zugänglichkeit liegen in der Verantwortung der jeweiligen Diensteanbieter.
5. Restrictions on Data Downloads
5.1 Lack of accessible geodata processing
The geodata available for download is in specialized formats (Shapefile, File Geodatabase, GeoJSON) that cannot be accessed by screen readers.
Reason: Geodata is primarily intended for further processing in specialized GIS applications. It is technically impossible to make this raw data accessible (e.g., as an accessible table or in alternative formats) without deviating from the technical context of use. For users who require this data in an accessible format, a customized version is available upon request.
6. Unreasonable Burden
Fully addressing all of the identified issues would require a fundamental overhaul of the portal’s architecture and a complete editorial review of all content. This would entail a disproportionate amount of personnel and financial resources, which exceeds the capabilities of the operating entity.
The ArcGIS Enterprise platform is continuously being developed. With each release, the developers work on improving accessibility. The portal operator commits to reviewing and implementing the improved accessibility features with each platform update.
Preparation of this statement
This statement was prepared on March 4, 2026.
Verification method: Self-assessment
This statement was last reviewed on March 4, 2026.
Feedback and Contact
We are aware that our entire website does not meet accessibility requirements, and we regret this. Please feel free to send feedback via email to in-terris-gryphi@uni-greifswald.de or use the following mailing address:
Greifswald University Library
“In terris Gryphi” Project
Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 10
17489 Greifswald
Phone 03834 420 1620
Enforcement Proceedings
As part of an enforcement proceeding, you may contact the Digital Accessibility Monitoring Authority of the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.