Touch-based exploration of maps for screen reader users

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions that, when executed by an electronic device with one or more sensors and one or more output components, cause the device to:

• receive an input selecting a mode of operation of the electronic device other than a mode for providing directions to a destination location;
• while the electronic device is in the selected mode of operation:
• determine, using the one or more sensors, a forward direction of motion of the electronic device;
• identify nearby geographical features that the electronic device is moving toward based on the determined forward direction of motion of the electronic device;
• and
• provide, via the one or more output components of the electronic device, non- visual outputs that identify the nearby geographical features that the electronic device is moving toward, without providing non-visual outputs that identify nearby geographical features that the electronic device is moving away from.

An electronic device, comprising:

• one or more sensors;
• one or more output components;
• one or more processors;
• memory;
• and
• one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more programs including instructions for:
• receiving an input selecting a mode of operation of the electronic device other than a mode for providing directions to a destination location;
• while the electronic device is in the selected mode of operation:
• determining, using the one or more sensors, a forward direction of motion of the electronic device;
• identifying nearby geographical features that the electronic device is moving toward based on the determined forward direction of motion of the electronic device;
• and
• providing, via the one or more output components of the electronic device, non-visual outputs that identify the nearby geographical features that the electronic device is moving toward, without providing non-visual outputs that identify nearby geographical features that the electronic device is moving away from.

A method for providing non-visual outputs indicating geographical features to a user, the method performed at an electronic device with one or more sensors and one or more output components, the method comprising:

• receiving an input selecting a mode of operation of the electronic device other than a mode for providing directions to a destination location;
• while the electronic device is in the selected mode of operation:
• determining, using the one or more sensors, a forward direction of the electronic device;
• identifying nearby geographical features;
• and
• providing, via the one or more output components of the electronic device, non-visual outputs that identify nearby geographical features in only the forward direction.