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( Perceivable / WCAG 1.1.1 )

Image map area element is missing alt text

This check maps to Non-text Content. Use the guidance below to confirm the issue, understand who it affects and ship a fix.

Serious Level A WCAG 1.1.1 — Non-text Content

What’s wrong

An area inside an image map has no alt attribute.

Why it matters

Screen reader users cannot understand the purpose of each hotspot without text alternatives. They may activate links blindly.

How to fix it

Use semantic HTML and valid ARIA so assistive technology gets the same state and structure as sighted users. Keep labels and states explicit in markup.

Before
<map name="regions">
  <area shape="rect" coords="0,0,100,100" href="/north" />
</map>
After
<map name="regions">
  <area shape="rect" coords="0,0,100,100" href="/north" alt="Northern region" />
</map>

If this pattern is generated by a component, fix it once in the shared component so every instance inherits the accessible behavior.

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