Image map area has no alt text

WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content, level A
Critical
Images
Automated
Server pass

Why it matters

Each clickable region in an image map is a link. Without alt text, keyboard and screen reader users cannot tell the regions apart.

How to fix it

Add alt text to every <area> that has an href, describing where it goes.

<!-- Before -->
<area shape="rect" coords="0,0,80,40" href="/north/">

<!-- After -->
<area shape="rect" coords="0,0,80,40" href="/north/" alt="North office">

Read the W3C guidance: Understanding 1.1.1 Non-text Content.

Related rules

Image has no alt attribute (WCAG 1.1.1)
Alt text looks like a file name (WCAG 1.1.1)
Alt text starts with "image of" or similar (WCAG 1.1.1)
Alt text is very long (WCAG 1.1.1)

Find this on your own site. A11yMate scans every page and lists where it happens. See pricing or browse all rules.