Projects

CAP4access

Collectively improving accessibility in European cities

Start:

01.2014

End: 

12.2016

Client: 

DG CNECT, European Commission (EC)

The objective of the CAP4Access project is to develop and pilot-test methods and tools for collectively gathering and sharing information about accessibility of public spaces. The background for the project is that Europe needs to become more accessible. Too often, buildings and ways cannot be easily reached and passed by everyone. This does not only concern wheelchair users but also seniors with walking aids, parents with pushchairs, frail patients – it concerns anyone whose walking ability is permanently or temporarily limited. This applies to many millions of people in Europe. Online maps offer great opportunities to indicate which places and ways are accessible and which ones are not. Locations and routes on maps can be enhanced with accessibility related data, commented, and visualised with photos. These possibilities are not yet widely used, however, and their full potential still needs to be reaped. CAP4access works towards this aim. Four test sites in Vienna (Austria), London South Bank (United Kingdom), Elche (Spain) and Heidelberg (Germany) will produce insights about using online maps for enhanced accessibility.