Web Standard: Maps

Note

All EPA public and internal content pages and web applications are required to follow this standard.

Definitions

Maps may be:

Interactive
- EPA’s GeoPlatform
- Leaflet
  - Leaflet is an open-source and lightweight JavaScript library for mobile friendly interactive maps. This library is aimed at simple maps. See the Leaflet JavaScript Library page for more information on usage and benefits.
Static map image - a picture of a map

Content requirements

Do not use Google maps: EPA has no licensing agreement for Google Maps.
- See this internal page for using other commercial map imagery, like ESRI or Bing.
U.S. map of states or EPA regions must use the standard U.S. National Maps (formerly called ‘Where You Live’)
Maps will have:
- A title, that includes the word “map”, located above the map in header tag <h2> – <h4>.
- A description in caption text or alt text of what the map displays.
- A link to equivalent content in text form.
Recommended best practice is to link to equivalent content in text form. Near-Real-Time and Laboratory Data by State is an example.
Ensure the color contrast on your map is 508 compliant (see Design for Everyone StoryMap).

About this Standard

All EPA public web content must adhere to all federal requirements including; the EPA Web Standards, the U.S. Web Design System guidelines, federal plain language guidelines, and the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act. Internal content, including Intranet and Microsoft 365, may differ from the public content. If not explicitly stated, content must adhere to all federal requirements.

Original effective date: 09/12/2012
Last approved on: 06/12/2024
Web Council review by: 06/12/2027 (or earlier if deemed necessary by the Web Council)

Web Standard: Maps

Note

Definitions

Content requirements

About this Standard

Web Policies and Procedures