Author  Message [bottom]
Sightless314
 member, 18 posts
 If there's a will
 There's a way
Thu 14 Apr 2022
at 21:51
 msg #1
Mapping software
I might be heading down a dead end road,  given my issues, but I'm fishing for map building software.   If you've used one, let me know what you've used, and I can start figuring out if I too, can use it, thanks.

This message was last updated by the user at 21:52, Thu 14 Apr.

CaptainHellrazor
 member, 246 posts
Thu 14 Apr 2022
at 22:21
 msg #2
Mapping software
That's a pretty broad question.  I have only used a couple of free online mapping tools but if you could give an idea of the kind of maps you want to make, someone with more experience can probably point you in the right direction.
Sightless314
 member, 21 posts
 If there's a will
 There's a way
Fri 15 Apr 2022
at 00:15
 msg #3
Re: Mapping software
CaptainHellrazor:
That's a pretty broad question.  I have only used a couple of free online mapping tools but if you could give an idea of the kind of maps you want to make, someone with more experience can probably point you in the right direction.


 Unfortunately, my internet skills aren't allowing me to be more specific. I spent literally a week's worth of hours doing every search I could think of related to "blind useable Mapping software."

So, I'm trying a different approach, finding out what sighted folks have used, and then trying to find out if any of it works for a sightless, pun intended, user.
NowhereMan
 member, 476 posts
Fri 15 Apr 2022
at 00:33
 msg #4
Re: Mapping software
The pun may be the sticking point. While a particular program might be theoretically useable by a sightless person, it may not be usable by you.

For instance, I am a (admittedly limited) sighted user who absolutely cannot use Campaign Cartographer. The learning curve shoots over my head faster than a rocket-assisted peregrine falcon.
GreenTongue
 member, 1115 posts
 Game Archaeologist
Fri 15 Apr 2022
at 02:11
 msg #5
Re: Mapping software
There is a newly released mapper maker that uses AI to populate rooms automatically.
Very pretty and intended for VTT and printing. Not sure how sight restricted it is as it does a lot of the work for you and you don't "need" to actually see it.
NextLevelGames
 member, 7 posts
Fri 15 Apr 2022
at 02:15
 msg #6
Re: Mapping software
I am curious, if I may, how would you expect this to work? I am a sighted person, and I can see where I place things, the color, the icons, etc. Is there a program (screen reader or otherwise) that would assist in this task?
Sightless314
 member, 22 posts
 If there's a will
 There's a way
Fri 15 Apr 2022
at 04:17
 msg #7
Re: Mapping software

NextLevelGames:
I am curious, if I may, how would you expect this to work? I am a sighted person, and I can see where I place things, the color, the icons, etc. Is there a program (screen reader or otherwise) that would assist in this task?



Great question, here goes.

1. I’m blind, I don’t expect it to work, but not knowing it won’t work, must give it a try.
2. 1, expanded. Whenever I get a program, or go to a website, I don’t know when I go there how it will interact with my screen-reader, or even if it will interact with my screen-reader in most instances. When I came here, there was no garantees how this place would work, or even if it would work with my screen-reader.  Some programs will work independently of their GUI, and thus one can use the keyboard alone to interact with them. I’m hoping that there is a mapping software package out there that I can use in such a manner, or write the needed scripts to interact with in such a manner. Mapping programs that use a electronic ‘pin’ are more or less using the same softwear as the mouse, and thus won’t work with my screen-reader, if this function can’t be turned off.
Again, neither you, or I can know in advance, unless in that really rare case,  someone has had their program tested for it, or some other blind individual has used it before, whether a program is screen-reader accessible.   Thus, as is true with nearly all of my on-line experiences,  I only know when it doesn’t work with a screen-reader when I test it.  So, I’m trying to pull from all the sighted individuals on RPOL who have used mapping programs so I can then try and track them down, and, yes, you guessed it, test them. There are certain concepts that would be easier to convey to a sighted audience, both here and elsewhere,  with access to a map.
1492
 member, 14 posts
 ADD Grognard
 PBP Neophyte
Fri 15 Apr 2022
at 04:45
 msg #8
Re: Mapping software
@Sightless314 - I wish I could help you, but I don't know anything about mapping software. Haven't used it or encountered it or searched for it online. I do hope other RPoL members will weigh in on this thread and offer their assistance, and I wish you the best of luck.

As an aside, your comments make me wonder if we need federal legislation that would do for web site design what the ADA did for building design. Once upon a time, it didn't occur to most people that the typical building (i.e., office, store, or restaurant) was not accessible for handicapped people. Now, most everyone would agree that all buildings should provide such access.

Seems like the same logic would apply to the internet. Websites should be accessible (and navigable and usable) by those with impaired vision? And maybe software programs should, as a general rule, be compatible with screen readers?

I am technologically illiterate, so there may be challenges to achieving such goals, and maybe what I'm saying doesn't even make sense. But it seems like something worth working towards.
Sightless314
 member, 23 posts
 If there's a will
 There's a way
Fri 15 Apr 2022
at 05:01
 msg #9
Re: Mapping software
In reply to 1492 (msg # 8):


 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...ssibility_Guidelines

There are limitations, I won't go into, which programmers shouldn't be blamed for.
1492
 member, 15 posts
 ADD Grognard
 PBP Neophyte
Fri 15 Apr 2022
at 05:05
 msg #10
Re: Mapping software
Thank you for the link. Just curious. Do you think legislation might be more helpful than guidelines? Or are you satisfied with the status quo?
NextLevelGames
 member, 9 posts
Fri 15 Apr 2022
at 12:50
 msg #11
Re: Mapping software
In reply to Sightless314 (msg # 7):

Thanks for the explanation. I can I personally use Inkarnate for a lot of my mapping purposes. It is browser based, and there is a free and pro version. So if you wanted to give it a shot you can.

Link to Site
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