Maps

Here's a coincidence.

• Internet sleuth Anne Camozzi sent along a link to a petition asking Google to add accessibility as a component to their maps.
• I love maps and have tried several apps focusing on accessibility.
• It turns out that this product is being developed by a Halifax software company known for excellent results and attention to detail.
• It appears to be an all-Canadian effort.

Here's the site, which is well underway:

Here's the introduction:



This seems poised to succeed.  It relies on Google's vast database of businesses and is harmonized with other types of ratings.  It has a smartphone app, so it's location aware.  I rated Epicurious Morsels, Saege, Jennifer's, Common Grounds,  Argyle Fine Art, Secord Gallery and Just Us.

It's not perfect:

• The lowest accessibility rating is one star, which seems absurd.  Does Hali-Deli deserve any star?  It's completely inaccessible.
• You have to rate the washroom even if you didn't visit
• The mobile login is broken, so it's impossible to judge the features it might offer
• The map doesn't pan with search results.
• There are various small inconveniences, but the potential is great.

Bottom line?  Give it a whirl!  It's fun and helpful to others who pay attention to access.  The bugs should go away.  And it's worth getting a Ramp Up! t-shirt.

Rate five places you know - we'll organize a Mapathon later in the summer........