January 4, 2008—From representing car parks, to toilets, to hospitals and to full accessibility, the universal language of information symbols used in public places is contained in a new international standard.
Published by ISO (International Organization for Standardization), ISO 7001:2007, “Graphical symbols—Public information symbols,” provides a method of communicating public information through a collection of symbols designed for use in buildings and other places, and for services used by the public, regardless of country or culture.
ISO 7001:2007, which replaces ISO 7001:1990, has been revised and expanded with accessibility issues in mind. It covers the main requirements for images displayed on signs in all kinds of public areas, but it was also produced with the expectation that the graphical symbols would be used on maps and guides.
The standard covers 79 public information symbols designed for use in all locations and all sectors where the public has access. Each is displayed by a visual illustration together with the image content, function, and meaning.
For the convenience of users, the symbols have been grouped in categories according to the areas where they are normally expected to be used: public facilities; transport facilities; tourism, culture, and heritage; and sporting activities, commercial facilities, and behavior of the public (excluding public safety, which is covered by ISO 7010).
ISO 7001:2007, which costs 154 Swiss francs, is available from ISO national member institutes and from the ISO Web site.
