How do "image maps" work?
An "image map" is a picture on a web page that provides different "links" to other web pages depending on where a user clicks on the image.

There are two basic types of image maps: "client-side image maps" and "server-side image maps."

A quick summation on the 2 types :

Client-Side Image Maps	Server-Side Image Maps
Supports ALT Tags	Does not support ALT tags
Specifies a URL when the cursor passes over a region of the image	Specifies a set of coordinates, not a URL, when the cursor passes over a region of the image
Does not require redundant text to make it Section 508 Compliant	Does require redundant text to make it Section 508 Compliant
Regions or hot spots are defined with geometric shapes - not quite as refined	Regions or hot spots are defined with coordinates, therefore much more refined
Image Map strategy of choice for accessible web site construction	Should only be used as a last resource for accessible web site construction

Why is this provision necessary?
When a web page uses a server-side image map to present the user with a selection of options, browsers cannot indicate to the user the ALT text or URL that will be followed when a region of the map is activated. Therefore, the redundant text link is necessary to provide access to the page for anyone not able to see or accurately click on the map.

Note: Element F of Section 508 will say to use client-side image map constructs and use server-side image maps as a last resort.

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