Accessibility Mapping for Travel Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Accessibility Mapping for Travel market size reached USD 1.42 billion in 2024, with a robust year-over-year growth propelled by increasing demand for inclusive travel solutions. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated USD 4.16 billion by 2033. This growth is primarily driven by heightened awareness of accessibility needs, regulatory pressure for inclusive infrastructure, and technological advancements in digital mapping solutions.

The surging demand for accessible travel experiences is a significant growth driver for the Accessibility Mapping for Travel market. As global travel resumes post-pandemic, there is a renewed focus on ensuring equitable access for individuals with disabilities. Governments and private enterprises are increasingly recognizing the necessity of providing detailed, real-time information on accessibility features for public transport, hotels, tourist attractions, and urban spaces. The proliferation of digital maps, mobile applications, and web platforms has made it easier for travelers to plan journeys that accommodate their specific needs. This trend is further reinforced by legal mandates in many countries, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States and the European Accessibility Act, which require public and private entities to provide accessible information and services. As a result, the market is witnessing a surge in investments aimed at developing comprehensive accessibility mapping solutions that cater to a diverse range of disabilities, including mobility, visual, hearing, and cognitive impairments.

Technological innovation remains at the forefront of market expansion, with advances in artificial intelligence, geospatial analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices revolutionizing the way accessibility data is collected, processed, and disseminated. Modern accessibility mapping platforms leverage AI-driven algorithms to analyze vast datasets, identify barriers, and suggest optimal routes for travelers with specific needs. The integration of IoT sensors in public transportation and urban infrastructure enables real-time updates on accessibility features, such as elevator functionality, step-free access, and tactile paving. Moreover, the adoption of open data standards and collaborative mapping initiatives, such as OpenStreetMap, has fostered community-driven approaches to updating and verifying accessibility information. These technological advancements not only enhance the accuracy and reliability of accessibility maps but also empower end-users to contribute feedback and share their experiences, creating a dynamic ecosystem that evolves in response to user needs.

Another critical growth factor is the increasing collaboration between stakeholders across the travel, technology, and public sectors. Partnerships between government agencies, travel companies, non-profit organizations, and technology providers are driving the development of integrated accessibility mapping solutions that span multiple domains, from public transportation to tourism and hospitality. These collaborations enable the pooling of resources, expertise, and data, resulting in more comprehensive and user-friendly platforms. For instance, city governments are working with tech firms to embed accessibility data into urban planning processes, while hotels and tourist attractions are partnering with mapping providers to showcase their accessible features online. Such synergies are essential for overcoming the fragmentation that has historically plagued the accessibility mapping landscape and for ensuring that travelers with disabilities can access reliable information at every stage of their journey.

From a regional perspective, North America and Europe are currently leading the market, accounting for the largest share of global revenues due to their advanced digital infrastructure, stringent accessibility regulations, and high levels of public awareness. However, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as a significant growth engine, fueled by rapid urbanization, expanding tourism industries, and increasing government investment in smart city initiatives. Countries such as Japan, Australia, and Singapore are at the forefront of implementing accessible travel solutions, while developing economies in Southeast Asia and India are gradually catching up. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessi

Accessibility Mapping for Travel Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Accessibility Mapping for Travel market size reached USD 2.1 billion in 2024, driven by increasing demand for inclusive travel solutions and regulatory mandates for accessibility. The market is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of 13.2% from 2025 to 2033, with the market forecasted to reach USD 6.2 billion by 2033. The primary growth factor is the rapid digital transformation across the travel and tourism sector, coupled with heightened awareness and advocacy for accessible travel experiences worldwide.

One of the key growth factors propelling the Accessibility Mapping for Travel market is the global movement toward inclusivity and equal opportunity in travel experiences. Governments and international organizations are increasingly mandating accessibility standards for public infrastructure, accommodations, and transportation systems, which is compelling travel providers to adopt advanced accessibility mapping solutions. The integration of real-time data, AI-driven analytics, and IoT devices has enabled software and service providers to deliver highly accurate and up-to-date accessibility information, making it easier for travelers with disabilities or special needs to plan their journeys. This surge in technological adoption, combined with the growing voice of advocacy groups, is creating a fertile environment for the market's expansion.

Moreover, the proliferation of smart devices and mobile applications has significantly enhanced the reach and usability of accessibility mapping tools. As travelers increasingly rely on their smartphones for navigation, booking, and real-time updates, there is a heightened expectation for comprehensive, user-friendly accessibility information. Leading travel agencies, hospitality providers, and government organizations are partnering with technology firms to embed accessibility features directly into their platforms, ensuring that travelers can make informed decisions at every stage of their journey. This seamless integration of accessibility data into mainstream travel platforms is not only improving user satisfaction but also opening new revenue streams for market participants.

Another vital growth driver is the rising economic influence of the accessible travel segment. According to industry estimates, travelers with disabilities and their companions contribute billions annually to the global travel economy. Recognizing this immense potential, businesses are investing in accessibility mapping solutions to tap into this previously underserved market. Enhanced accessibility not only meets regulatory requirements but also serves as a powerful differentiator in a competitive landscape, allowing brands to build loyalty and reputation among a broader customer base. As the demographic shift toward aging populations continues, the demand for accessible travel solutions is expected to grow exponentially, further fueling market expansion.

From a regional perspective, North America and Europe are currently leading the Accessibility Mapping for Travel market, owing to robust regulatory frameworks, high digital adoption rates, and strong advocacy for disability rights. Asia Pacific is emerging as a significant growth region, driven by rapid urbanization, government initiatives to boost inclusive tourism, and increasing investments in smart city infrastructure. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, while currently representing smaller market shares, are showing promising potential as awareness and investment in accessibility solutions rise. The global momentum toward barrier-free travel is thus expected to accelerate, with regional nuances shaping the pace and nature of market growth.

Component Analysis

The Accessibility Mapping for Travel market is segmented by component into Software and Services, each playing a critical role in the ecosystem. The software segment encompasses a wide array of digital tools, including mobile applications, web platforms, GIS mapping solutions, and integration APIs. These solutions are designed to aggregate, analyze, and present accessibility information in a user-friendly format, enabling travelers, agencies, and service providers to make data-driven decisions. With advancements in AI, machine learning, and geospatial analytics, software providers are now capable of delivering real-time, hyper-local accessibility data, signif

In August of 2015 a committee was established between multiple Government of Ontario Ministries (MNRF, MTO, OMAFRA, MOECC, CSC, MEDEI/MRI, MCSS) to investigate and provide recommendations on how to best design maps so they are accessible to as wide an audience as possible. To achieve this, it was critical to consider the challenges that persons with disabilities could have when interacting with and interpreting maps.

The document focuses on the following considerations for accessible map design:

Contrast Colour Style and Patterns Font Selection Annotation and Labelling Simplicity and Consistency Alternative Formats and Descriptions

The document was endorsed in 2016 by the GIS in the OPS Director Manager Working Group (DMWG).

Although there are new and emerging technologies for creating maps for users with disabilities, the majority of this document is intended to assist designers creating map content for a range of users who have full sight to those with moderately low vision who do not use assistive technology.

The document does not address the technology or medium used to generate or publish the final map product, or the accessibility concerns that arise out of any technology, such as those outlined in Web Content Accessibility Guidelines published by the World Wide Web Consortium for content published on the web.

The concepts described within the document are applicable to map design, regardless of how a map is created, produced, or delivered. Consult with your Ministry's Accessibility Coordinator for assistance in these and other areas of accessibility considerations.

Additional Documentation

Map Design Considerations for Accessibility (Word)

Status Completed: Production of the data has been completed

Maintenance and Update Frequency As needed: Data is updated as deemed necessary

Contact Land Information Ontario, lio@ontario.ca

A global analysis of accessibility to high-density urban centres at a resolution of 1×1 kilometre for 2015, as measured by travel time.

To model the time required for individuals to reach their most accessible city, we first quantified the speed at which humans move through the landscape. The principle underlying this work was that all areas on Earth, represented as pixels within a 2D grid, had a cost (that is, time) associated with moving through them that we quantified as a movement speed within a cost or ‘friction’ surface. We then applied a least-cost-path algorithm to the friction surface in relation to a set of high-density urban points. The algorithm calculated pixel-level travel times for the optimal path between each pixel and its nearest city (that is, with the shortest journey time). From this work we ultimately produced two products: (a) an accessibility map showing travel time to urban centres, as cities are proxies for access to many goods and services that affect human wellbeing; and (b) a friction surface that underpins the accessibility map and enables the creation of custom accessibility maps from other point datasets of interest. The map products are in GeoTIFF format in EPSG:4326 (WGS84) project with a spatial resolution of 30 arcsecs. The accessibility map pixel values represent travel time in minutes. The friction surface map pixels represent the time, in minutes required to travel one metre. This DANS data record contains these two map products.

Curb Ramp Accessibility Mapping Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global curb ramp accessibility mapping market size reached USD 1.47 billion in 2024, supported by a robust demand for inclusive urban infrastructure and smart city initiatives. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period, reaching USD 4.06 billion by 2033. This growth is primarily driven by increasing regulatory mandates for accessibility, the integration of advanced geospatial technologies, and a heightened focus on equitable mobility solutions for individuals with disabilities.

One of the primary growth factors propelling the curb ramp accessibility mapping market is the intensifying global emphasis on inclusive urban planning. Governments and municipal bodies worldwide are under increasing pressure to adhere to accessibility standards, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States and similar regulations in Europe and Asia Pacific. These mandates require comprehensive mapping and assessment of curb ramps to ensure compliance and promote barrier-free environments for all citizens. The demand for digital mapping solutions is further fueled by the need to regularly audit, update, and maintain accessible infrastructure, which is critical for people with mobility challenges, parents with strollers, and the elderly population. This regulatory environment is compelling both public and private stakeholders to invest in advanced mapping tools and services, thereby stimulating market expansion.

Technological advancements represent another significant driver for the curb ramp accessibility mapping market. The integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and geographic information systems (GIS) into mapping solutions has revolutionized the way accessibility data is captured, analyzed, and visualized. These technologies enable real-time data collection, automated detection of accessibility barriers, and predictive maintenance of curb ramps. The proliferation of cloud-based platforms further enhances data accessibility and collaboration among various stakeholders, including urban planners, transportation authorities, and advocacy groups. As cities increasingly adopt smart infrastructure frameworks, the deployment of IoT sensors and mobile mapping applications is becoming commonplace, ensuring that accessibility data is both accurate and actionable. This technological evolution not only streamlines compliance efforts but also empowers cities to proactively address accessibility gaps.

The growing recognition of the social and economic benefits associated with accessible infrastructure is also catalyzing market growth. Accessible curb ramps facilitate greater mobility for individuals with disabilities, enabling their full participation in economic, educational, and social activities. This, in turn, contributes to the overall productivity and inclusivity of urban environments. Commercial enterprises are also recognizing the value of curb ramp accessibility mapping in enhancing customer experience and broadening their consumer base. As businesses and public agencies increasingly prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the demand for comprehensive mapping solutions is expected to surge. The market is further buoyed by funding from international organizations and non-profits dedicated to advancing accessible urban development, which provides a stable foundation for sustained growth.

From a regional perspective, North America currently dominates the curb ramp accessibility mapping market, accounting for over 38% of the global share in 2024. This is attributed to stringent accessibility regulations, high levels of urbanization, and early adoption of digital mapping technologies. Europe follows closely, driven by progressive policy frameworks and significant investments in smart city infrastructure. The Asia Pacific region is emerging as a high-growth market, fueled by rapid urbanization, increasing awareness of accessibility issues, and government-led initiatives to modernize public infrastructure. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing steady growth, albeit from a smaller base, as international development agencies and local governments ramp up efforts to enhance urban accessibility. The regional outlook suggests a broadening of market opportunities as accessibility becomes a global priority.

Curb Ramp Accessibility Mapping Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global curb ramp accessibility mapping market size reached USD 1.32 billion in 2024, demonstrating robust momentum driven by the increasing focus on urban accessibility and inclusive infrastructure initiatives. The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 12.8% from 2025 to 2033, with the forecasted market size expected to attain USD 3.97 billion by 2033. This growth is underpinned by rising government investments, technological advancements in mapping solutions, and the expanding adoption of smart city frameworks worldwide.

One of the primary growth factors for the curb ramp accessibility mapping market is the intensifying regulatory push for accessible urban environments. Governments and municipalities across the globe are instituting stricter compliance standards in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar international mandates. These regulations require public infrastructure to be more accessible, prompting increased investment in advanced mapping technologies that can identify, assess, and improve curb ramp accessibility. The integration of geospatial analytics, AI-driven image recognition, and IoT-enabled sensors is further enhancing the accuracy and utility of mapping solutions, enabling authorities to prioritize upgrades and maintenance of pedestrian pathways efficiently. This regulatory environment, coupled with the growing societal emphasis on inclusivity, is fueling sustained demand for curb ramp accessibility mapping.

Another significant driver is the rapid urbanization and proliferation of smart city projects worldwide. As cities strive to become more connected and responsive to citizen needs, the deployment of curb ramp accessibility mapping solutions is becoming integral to urban planning and transportation management. These solutions not only assist in identifying physical barriers but also support the optimization of pedestrian and commuter routes, ensuring equitable mobility for all residents, including those with disabilities. The convergence of big data analytics, cloud-based platforms, and mobile mapping applications is empowering city planners and transportation authorities to make data-driven decisions, allocate resources more effectively, and monitor the real-time status of curb ramp infrastructure. This trend is expected to accelerate as smart city initiatives expand, especially in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

The adoption of curb ramp accessibility mapping is also being propelled by the increasing involvement of commercial enterprises and technology vendors. Companies in the transportation, retail, and real estate sectors are leveraging these solutions to enhance their accessibility credentials and meet corporate social responsibility goals. The integration of mapping data into navigation apps, ride-sharing platforms, and urban mobility services is improving the overall user experience for people with disabilities. Furthermore, public-private partnerships are playing a crucial role in scaling up accessibility mapping projects, fostering innovation, and bridging funding gaps. As awareness of the economic and social benefits of accessible infrastructure grows, the market is poised for continued expansion and diversification.

From a regional perspective, North America currently dominates the curb ramp accessibility mapping market, accounting for more than 38% of the global revenue in 2024. This leadership is attributed to the presence of advanced digital infrastructure, supportive regulatory frameworks, and significant investments in smart city initiatives. Europe follows closely, driven by stringent accessibility laws and robust urban planning efforts. The Asia Pacific region is emerging as a high-growth market, fueled by rapid urbanization, rising government spending on infrastructure modernization, and increasing advocacy for disability rights. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing gradual adoption, supported by international development programs and growing urban populations. The regional outlook remains positive, with each geography exhibiting unique growth drivers and challenges.

Solution Type Analysis

The solution type segment of the curb ramp accessibility mapping market is categorized into software, hardware, and services. Software solutions represent the largest share of the market, driven

This global accessibility map enumerates land-based travel time to the nearest densely-populated area for all areas between 85 degrees north and 60 degrees south for a nominal year 2015. Densely-populated areas are defined as contiguous areas with 1,500 or more inhabitants per square kilometre or a majority of built-up land cover types coincident with a population centre of at least 50,000 inhabitants. This map was produced through a collaboration between MAP (University of Oxford), Google, the European Union Joint Research Centre (JRC), and the University of Twente, Netherlands.The underlying datasets used to produce the map include roads (comprising the first ever global-scale use of Open Street Map and Google roads datasets), railways, rivers, lakes, oceans, topographic conditions (slope and elevation), landcover types, and national borders. These datasets were each allocated a speed or speeds of travel in terms of time to cross each pixel of that type. The datasets were then combined to produce a "friction surface"; a map where every pixel is allocated a nominal overall speed of travel based on the types occurring within that pixel. Least-cost-path algorithms (running in Google Earth Engine and, for high-latitude areas, in R) were used in conjunction with this friction surface to calculate the time of travel from all locations to the nearest (in time) city. The cities dataset used is the high-density-cover product created by the Global Human Settlement Project. Each pixel in the resultant accessibility map thus represents the modelled shortest time from that location to a city. Authors: D.J. Weiss, A. Nelson, H.S. Gibson, W. Temperley, S. Peedell, A. Lieber, M. Hancher, E. Poyart, S. Belchior, N. Fullman, B. Mappin, U. Dalrymple, J. Rozier, T.C.D. Lucas, R.E. Howes, L.S. Tusting, S.Y. Kang, E. Cameron, D. Bisanzio, K.E. Battle, S. Bhatt, and P.W. Gething. A global map of travel time to cities to assess inequalities in accessibility in 2015. (2018). Nature. doi:10.1038/nature25181

Processing notes: Data were processed from numerous sources including OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, Land Cover mapping, and others, to generate a global friction surface of average land-based travel speed. This accessibility surface was then derived from that friction surface via a least-cost-path algorithm finding at each location the closest point from global databases of population centres and densely-populated areas. Please see the associated publication for full details of the processing.

Source: https://map.ox.ac.uk/research-project/accessibility_to_cities/

Our online accessibility map provides information about some main access features and barriers in the city. This information can help people with mobility requirements and people who use mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, to better navigate the city. For more information on accessibility, visit the City of Sydney website.

This viewer contains the accessible pathways and features throughout the MIT campus.

The All-Island Accessibility Mapping Tool provides an analysis of access to settlements and key service infrastructure such as transport, education and health facilities across Ireland. Accessibility score are available for Towns, Health Facilities, Education Services, Retail Outlets and Transport Services. Accessibility scores to a range of services have been developed for every residential address point on the island (approx 2.7m) based on average drive-time speeds (average speed on NAVTEC road network plus 10% urban area congestion charge). For the purposes of the mapping tool the accessibility scores have been averaged at the most detailed spatial statistical unit available – Small Areas for the Republic of Ireland (approx 18k) and Output Areas for Northern Ireland (approx 5k)

Street intersections are challenging for people with visual impairments. While tactile maps are an important support in both mobility training and independent journeys, the caseload of manual map production has made them less accessible. This paper explores the possibility of (semi-) automatically producing tactile maps for street intersections at large scales, with an initial evaluation focused on the graphic aspect of the produced maps. The automation attempts to identify acceptable default parameters and values and proposes an exploration of possible choices for potentially open decisions. It adapts the classic map production process with parameters to present the information tactilely at the intersection scale, and produces representation meaningful for PVIs and realistic for an automatic procedure, resulting in ready-to-print maps in two scales of three sizes, with different levels of details and styles. The resulting maps are evaluated by professionals involved in tactile graphics through a questionnaire to evaluate the defaults and discuss the possibility of open choices. The professionals validated the maps, and their evaluation emphasized the need to have an acceptable default while keeping some options open to cater to the diversity in the visually impaired audience.

The West Africa Coastal Vulnerability Mapping: Subset of JRC Map of Accessibility data set is a 30 arc-second raster of travel time to major cities in West Africa within 200 kilometers of the coast. Extensive literature shows that road networks and market accessibility play an important role in development and access to health care and other social services. Greater spatial isolation is assumed to produce higher vulnerability to climate stressors. Market accessibility is defined as the travel time to a location of interest using land (road/off road) or water (navigable river, lake, and ocean) based travel. A team at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra, Italy, created a global raster of accessibility using a cost-distance algorithm which computes the "cost" (in Units of time) of traveling between two locations on a regular raster grid. The raster grid cells contain values which represent the cost required to travel across them, hence this raster grid is often termed a friction-surface. The friction-surface contains information on the transport network, and environmental and political factors that affect travel times between locations. Transport networks can include road and rail networks, navigable rivers, and shipping lanes. The locations of interest are termed targets, and in the case of this data set, the targets are cities with a population of 50,000 or greater in the year 2000.

ABSTRACT Nowadays, terms such as ‘media accessibility’ and ‘accessible audiovisual translation’ are becoming more common both in academia and in society in general. This popularization is due to a significant increase in national and international legislation regarding inclusion of people with disabilities in all social spheres and, in particular, regarding to cultural aspects (NAVES et al., 2016). With such a remarkable increase in legal, professional and academic production, Brazil presents a solid and diverse portfolio that stands out even when compared to the production of developed nations on the same topic. However, because of language barriers, this relevant content does not enjoy the deserved recognition and praise among international researchers. In order to try to change that scenario and help promote this content, the Media Accessibility Platform (MAP) can be a powerful tool as its main goal is to serve as a centralized database. The idea is to gather and organize in a free access and digital interface all different contents related to media accessibility, such as news reports, training courses, academic publication and legislation (GRECO et al., 2016). Unfortunately, so far, very little information regarding the Brazilian production on the topic has been uploaded to the platform. Therefore, our aim here is not only to promote MAP as a key tool for researchers, but also to highlight the importance of uploading as much Brazilian data as possible in order to bring our national content to the spotlight it deserves. Furthermore, we also aim to present the research project “MAPping audiovisual accessibility in Brazil and uploading data to the global Media Accessibility Platform (MAP)” currently been carried out by the research group “Audiovisual Translation: breaking barriers of language and accessibility” at Methodist University of Piracicaba.

Uncovering the Hidden Event Spaces of NYC Parks!

Mapping Event Locations, Accessibility, and Boroughs

By data.world's Admin [source]

About this dataset

Immerse yourself in NYC Parks events listings! This comprehensive dataset makes available the most recent records from 2013 and beyond, detailing information on events taking place in public parks throughout New York City. Beyond basic event data such as category, dates and times of activity, this dataset also offers further details such as organisers, labels, images associated with events or even YouTube video links related to them. Whether you are looking for a peaceful gathering hour or a thrilling outdoor adventure experience, this dataset provides you with all the necessary information on NYC Parks event listing!

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How to use the dataset

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use this dataset to find information about event spaces in NYC parks.

First off, if you have an idea of what type of event space or park you would like to explore then it will be helpful to use the search bar at the top left of the page. You can search for a specific park or city/borough name here. Clicking on any resulting options will bring up relevant information with regard to accessing an events space within that area.

If you’re looking for more general information about events spaces across NYC parks then scroll down and look at the summary table below which provides a brief description of all records in this dataset along with their related columns (e.g., Name, Latitude etc). The accessible column is particularly important as it tells users which areas are physically accessible while marking 'F' - as False otherwise indicating its not an easily accessible place within any given park/city/borough area covered by this dataset.

You can modify your query parameters by selecting columns listed on top interface shelf for further refining your results based on your unique needs (for example; if you need only those events spaces that are physically accessible). Data from multiple columns can also be combined together too making searching easier and accurate (for example; Brooklyn + nyc accessibility false filter) according to our research criteria needs through several combinations at once!

Finally clicking “Outer Join + Filter” button on top right side next above table takes user into advanced query editing mode – where further filtering is possible lets say if user wanted see particular boroughs having Location 1 OR address mentioning complete physical address lines without any postal codes- flexibility & accuracy here is endless too!

For more detailed instructions please refer our Data Documentation section –and Don't forget we have team member's ready 24 hours a day who are more than willing answer questions should one arise in need help anytime!. We invite everyone take part exploration beyond limits & let us know want like hear most loved ;) Happy exploring & discovering!

Research Ideas

• Creating map visualizations or heat maps to highlight event density in neighborhoods within the five boroughs of NYC.
• Analyzing trends over time of event categories within the different boroughs (e.g., how has the number of sports events increased/decreased in comparison to cultural events?).
• Generating dynamic reports that identify the most accessible NYC parks for those with mobility impairments and create easy-to-use indexes that can be used as a reference when organizing an outdoor activity or outing

Acknowledgements

If you use this dataset in your research, please credit the original authors. Data Source

License

See the dataset description for more information.

Columns

File: nyc-parks-events-listing-event-locations-1.csv | Column name | Description | |:---------------|:-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | name | The name of the event. (String) | | lat | The latitude coordinate of the event location. (Float) | | long | The longitude coordinate of the event location. (Float) | | address | The address of the event location. (String) | | zip | The zip code of the event location. (...

Accessibility is defined as the travel time to a location of interest using land (road/off road) or water (navigable river, lake and ocean) based travel. This accessibility is computed using a cost-distance algorithm which computes the “cost” of traveling between two locations on a regular raster grid. Generally this cost is measured in units of time.The input GIS data and a description of the underlying model that were developed by Andrew Nelson in the GEM (Global Environment Monitoring) unit in collaboration with the World Bank’s Development Research Group between October 2007 and May 2008. The pixel values representing minutes of travel time. Available dataset: Joint Research Centre - Land Resource Management Unit

Many government websites and mobile content are inaccessible for people with vision, hearing, cognitive, and motor impairments. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these disparities when health authority website information, critical in providing resources for curbing the spread of the virus, remained inaccessible for numerous disabled populations. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines provide comparatively universally accepted guidelines for website accessibility. We utilized these parameters to examine the number of countries with or without accessible health authority websites. The resulting data indicate a dearth of countries with websites accessible for persons with disabilities. Methods of information dissemination must take into consideration individuals with disabilities, particularly in times of global health crises.

Here we share the access map data typology and data dictionary to support access mapping projects. Keywords: accessibility, disability, navigation, mapping, university, accessible way finding, inclusive cartography

This EnviroAtlas web service includes maps that illustrate factors affecting transit accessibility, and indicators of accessibility. Accessibility measures how easily people can reach destinations such as their workplaces and can be measured in terms of both time and distance. It is affected by factors such as the proximity of housing to jobs, transit stops, stores, and services; the availability of various transit modes; and land use patterns. This dataset was produced by the US EPA to support research and online mapping activities related to EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas) allows the user to interact with a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services for the contiguous United States. The dataset is available as downloadable data (https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas) or as an EnviroAtlas map service. Additional descriptive information about each attribute in this dataset can be found in its associated EnviroAtlas Fact Sheet (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-fact-sheets).

Transport for London's (TFL) Public Transport Accessibility Levels (PTALs)

PTALS are a detailed and accurate measure of the accessibility of a point to the public transport network, taking into account walk access time and service availability. The method is essentially a way of measuring the density of the public transport network at any location within Greater London.

Each ares is graded between 0 and 6b, where a score of 0 is very poor access to public transport, and 6b is excellent access to public transport.

The current methodology was developed in 1992, by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The model has been thoroughly reviewed and tested, and has been agreed by the London Borough-led PTAL development group as the most appropriate for use across London.

The measure therefore reflects:

• • Walking time from the point-of interest to the public transport access points;
• • The reliability of the service modes available;
• • The number of services available within the catchment; and
• • The level of service at the public transport access points - i.e. average waiting time.

It does not consider:

• • The speed or utility of accessible services;
• • Crowding, including the ability to board services; or,
• • Ease of interchange.

The PTAL methodology was developed for London where a dense integrated public transport network means that nearly all destinations can be reached within a reasonable amount of time. Research using the ATOS (Access to Opportunities and Services) methodology shows that there is a strong correlation between PTALs and the time taken to reach key services – i.e. high PTAL areas generally have good access to services and low PTAL areas have poor access to services.

Notes

6-digit references identify 100m grid squares.

The 2012 CSV file previously available on the Datastore is now only available via the TfL feeds page.

The 2014 files are available to download below. This includes the GIS contour files.

Current PTAL values can be viewed at TfL’s web site: www.webptals.org.uk

The GLA has calculated the percentage of population for each ward, LSOA, MSOA and borough within each PTAL. The files for 2014 are available below. The method used mapped the number of addresses (using Ordinance Survey AddressBase Plus, and 2011 Census London Output Areas boundaries).

TFL also publish on their website a tool that shows travel time and PTAL maps from any point within London. Click anywhere on the map or input a postcode to change the selected location.

Inclusive Mobility Accessibility Platform Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Inclusive Mobility Accessibility Platform market size was valued at USD 2.35 billion in 2024, with a robust growth trajectory expected through the forecast period. The market is projected to achieve a CAGR of 12.7% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated USD 6.95 billion by 2033. This growth is primarily driven by increasing regulatory emphasis on accessibility, rising awareness about the mobility needs of individuals with disabilities and the elderly, and rapid advancements in digital technologies that enhance transportation inclusivity.

One of the principal growth factors for the Inclusive Mobility Accessibility Platform market is the global push towards universal design and accessible infrastructure. Governments and transportation authorities across key regions are implementing stringent regulations and standards to ensure that public and private transportation systems are accessible to all, including persons with disabilities and the aging population. The adoption of accessibility technologies, such as audio-visual navigation aids, real-time information systems, and accessible ticketing platforms, is being incentivized through policy mandates and funding programs. This regulatory landscape is compelling transportation providers and urban planners to invest in comprehensive accessibility solutions, driving the demand for inclusive mobility platforms at an unprecedented rate.

Technological innovation is another significant driver fueling the expansion of the Inclusive Mobility Accessibility Platform market. The integration of artificial intelligence, IoT sensors, and cloud-based platforms has transformed the way mobility solutions are delivered, making them more adaptive and user-centric. These technologies enable real-time navigation assistance, dynamic accessibility mapping, and seamless communication tools, empowering users with disabilities and the elderly to navigate complex urban environments with greater independence. Moreover, the proliferation of smartphones and connected devices has made it easier for end-users to access these platforms, further broadening the market’s reach and impact.

The growing societal emphasis on equity and social inclusion is also contributing to the market’s momentum. Public awareness campaigns, advocacy by disability rights organizations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives are highlighting the importance of accessible transportation. Businesses, transportation authorities, and technology providers are increasingly recognizing the value of addressing the needs of underserved populations, not just from a compliance perspective but also as a means to expand their user base and enhance brand reputation. This shift in mindset is fostering collaborations and partnerships that are accelerating the deployment of inclusive mobility solutions across regions.

From a regional perspective, North America and Europe currently lead the Inclusive Mobility Accessibility Platform market, accounting for the largest market shares in 2024. These regions benefit from mature transportation infrastructure, robust regulatory frameworks, and high levels of technology adoption. However, the Asia Pacific region is poised for the fastest growth, driven by rapid urbanization, increasing investments in smart city initiatives, and a rising population of elderly and persons with disabilities. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing growing interest, albeit at a more gradual pace, as governments and private stakeholders begin to prioritize accessibility in their transportation agendas.

Component Analysis

The Inclusive Mobility Accessibility Platform market is segmented by component into Software, Hardware, and Services. Software solutions form the backbone of this market, encompassing navigation applications, real-time information systems, and accessibility mapping tools. These