Mapping Mobility Barriers: A Comparative Evaluation of Five Accessibility Platforms

Crowdsourced mapping platforms are key tools for documenting mobility barriers that disabled people encounter in the built environment. This paper compares five platforms—OpenStreetMap, Project Sidewalk, Wheelmap, AXS Map, and AccessNow—using a typology with four categories: tags/attribute information, rating systems, appearance, and openness. We highlight criteria that support higher-quality accessibility data (e.g., clear tag definitions, validation, accessible cartography, and open documentation) alongside common pitfalls that undermine data usefulness and user experience. By making these trade-offs visible, we aim to strengthen the design of accessibility mapping platforms and, in turn, the quality of volunteered geographic information on mobility barriers.