Legal Information
Accessibility
Accessibility statement pursuant to Section 13 LBGG M-V for the website of the Interreg project “In terris Gryphi”.
The University of Greifswald endeavours to design all its websites in accordance with Section 13 of the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania State Disability Equality Act (LBGG M-V) in such a way that they can, in principle, be used without restriction by people with impairments and disabilities, as stipulated in the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania State Regulation on Accessible Information Technology (BITVO M-V).
Status of compliance with the requirements
The website of the Interreg project “In terris Gryphi”, including its mobile views, largely complies with the requirements of Section 13 of the LBGG MV.
Non-accessible content
- Not all control elements of interactive maps can be accessed or controlled via the keyboard.
- Pop-up windows containing attribute information are not consistently designed for keyboard-only operation.
- Map displays, as a visual medium, cannot be described using alternative text.
- Not all images, graphics, maps and audiovisual content are provided with alternative text.
- No information is provided in sign language or plain language.
Reasons for the deficiencies
01Technical and platform-related limitations
1.1Problems 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 controls for changing the map scale
- Toolbars for map interaction (identify, measure, select)
- Pop-up windows containing attribute information
Reason: The complex JavaScript-based controls of the map application are not consistently optimised for keyboard-only operation in the underlying ArcGIS Enterprise architecture. A complete fix would require far-reaching changes to the source code of the standard components, which is not feasible within the scope of this project.
1.2Missing or insufficient text alternatives for map content
Map displays, as a visual medium, cannot be provided with alternative text in the conventional sense. The complex geographic information, layer combinations and thematic representations defy any meaningful textual description.
Reason: Maps are inherently visual conveyors of information. Fully translating all the information contained in a map (spatial relationships, thematic layers, symbology) into textual form is technically impossible and would defeat the purpose of the map.
02Editorial restrictions on StoryMaps
2.1Missing alternative text for embedded media
In some StoryMaps, alternative text for images, graphics or videos may be missing. It was not provided, or was provided insufficiently, by the authors when the content was created.
Reason: Responsibility for providing alternative text lies with the editorially responsible persons who create the content. Although ArcGIS StoryMaps offers the function of adding alternative text, the portal operator cannot guarantee that all authors use this function correctly. A subsequent review and correction of all existing and future StoryMaps cannot be fully ensured owing to the large number of items of content and the decentralised editorial responsibilities.
2.2Inadequate heading structure in StoryMaps
In some StoryMaps, the hierarchical structure of headings (H1, H2, H3) may not be correctly implemented.
Reason: Correct semantic markup of headings is the responsibility of the authors. The platform provides the technical means, but cannot enforce their correct use. With a large number of StoryMaps and changing editorial responsibilities, structural errors cannot be completely ruled out.
03Complexity of cartographic representations
3.1Colour choice and contrast in maps
Some maps use colour combinations that are difficult to distinguish for people with colour vision deficiencies. This applies in particular to thematic maps with graduated colour scales.
Reason: The choice of colours lies with the subject-matter authors who create the maps for their specific professional statements. Although ArcGIS Enterprise provides tools for checking colour contrast, the use of these tools cannot be monitored for every single map. Professional requirements for the representation may conflict with accessibility requirements.
3.2Use of symbols without text equivalents
Maps frequently use symbols whose meaning is apparent only from the visual context (e.g. point data with different icons).
Reason: The meaning of symbols is explained in text form in the legend. When using the map interactively, however, screen reader users can access this information only with difficulty. Fully labelling all interactive symbols with ARIA labels is not technically feasible for all map types in the existing portal infrastructure.
04External content and links
4.1External map services (WMS, OWS)
The portal integrates external map services (WMS, OGC Web Services) over whose design and accessibility it has no influence.
Reason: When integrating external third-party services, the portal operator cannot accept any responsibility for the accessibility of these services. Its control is limited to the technical integration; the content, presentation and accessibility are the responsibility of the respective service providers.
05Restrictions on data downloads
5.1Lack of accessible geodata processing
The geodata offered for download is provided in specialist formats (Shapefile, File Geodatabase, GeoJSON) that cannot be accessed by screen readers.
Reason: Geodata is primarily intended for further processing in specialist GIS applications. Preparing this raw data in an accessible form (e.g. as an accessible table or in alternative formats) is technically impossible without leaving the professional context of use. For users who require this data in an accessible form, supporting preparation is offered on request.
06Disproportionate burden
Fully eliminating all the deficiencies mentioned would require a fundamental overhaul of the portal architecture and a complete editorial re-evaluation of all content. This would involve a disproportionate personnel and financial effort that exceeds the capabilities of the operating body.
The ArcGIS Enterprise platform is continuously being developed. With each release, the manufacturers work on improving accessibility. The portal operator undertakes to review and implement the improved accessibility functions whenever the platform is updated.
Creation of this statement
Created on
12 May 2026
This statement was created on 12 May 2026.
Review methodology
Self-assessment
The review was carried out as a self-assessment.
Last reviewed
12 May 2026
This statement was last reviewed on 12 May 2026.
Feedback and contact
We are aware, and regret, that the entire website does not meet the accessibility requirements. Please send feedback by email to in-terris-gryphi@uni-greifswald.de or use the postal address:
Postal address
Greifswald University Library
“In terris Gryphi” project
Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 10
17489 Greifswald
Tel. 03834 420 1620
Enforcement procedure
As part of an enforcement procedure, you can contact the Monitoring Body for Digital Accessibility of the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.