SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) in DAISY

Although the current DAISY standard allows for the possibility of including a variety of image types with DAISY content, this feature has, as yet, remained under used. This is likely due to the lack of specific recommendations regarding graphical content in the DAISY standard. The value of images, charts and graphs in textbooks and other printed materials is beyond question, therefore, it is vital to identify an accepted mechanism for inclusion of such content into DAISY materials. Given the far-reaching scope of the DAISY standard, it is critical to ensure that graphical content be as universally accessible and useful as possible.

This working group will develop a simple, achievable set of guidelines for incorporating scalable vector graphics (SVG) into the existing daisy standard as the preferred format for DAISY graphical content. This is because the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) SVG file format is text-based, platform-independent, and allows for a rich internal structure which can be used for extensive textual annotation and semantic navigation. By developing appropriate guidelines for the authoring of SVG content, this working group will begin the work of ensuring that DAISY-compliant SVG will be renderable in a variety of accessible media, such as tactile, audio/tactile, speech, and selectively enhanced visual formats. In addition, the working group will propose detailed roadmaps for the development of software tools and training materials to promote the on-going inclusion of SVG into the future of the DAISY standard.