server-side-image-map-absent

Images must not use a server-side image map

Checks that <img> elements do not carry the ismap attribute (server-side image maps have no keyboard-operable equivalent).

Applies to. Applies to any scan scope; whether it contains an <img> carrying an ismap attribute is always an answerable question.

Expectation. No image uses ismap. Server-side image maps depend on the browser sending click coordinates to the server, which has no keyboard-operable equivalent, there is no way to determine or expose individual clickable regions to assistive technology or keyboard users. Client-side image maps (<map>/<area>, each with real href/alt) are the accessible alternative and are not flagged by this rule. Presence of ismap is itself the violation, and absence is itself a pass -- there is no third, not-applicable case.

Examples

<img src="image.png" usemap="#nav" alt="Site map">
<map name="nav">
  <area href="/x" shape="rect" coords="0,0,10,10" alt="Go">
</map>

<a href="/map-handler">
  <img src="image.png" ismap alt="Site map">
</a>

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