If readers can zoom in and out, the map scale will be variable. Other times, it makes more sense to provide a global view. Sometimes it is useful-and necessary-to restrict the map extent. The luminosity of an image that is primarily white is taxing to the eye when viewed on-screen.īecause users can pan and zoom, the geographic extent of the map can be greater than what is shown on the screen initially. Sometimes a map design will work well on devices other than the primary delivery mode. While this is not an exhaustive set of recommendations, it should help you get started.Īlthough web maps are usually designed for a 17- or 19-inch LCD monitors-because that is what most people have on their desktops-web maps can also be viewed on other devices such as Tablet PCs, smartphones, or iPads. General guidelines will be given for each of these areas. Choose the colors, fonts, and symbols and decide what to show in the map margins. Next decide which map projection is best. What size will it be and what geographic extent will it show? Given those parameters, the map scale and resolution can be determined. Compiling a Web Mapīefore compiling a web map, you have to determine a few things. Once the map is finished, promote the map not only to its intended audience but also other potential audiences to maximize its value. When designing the user experience, consider how users will interact with the map and its related information. When designing the map, consider how the web interface can be used to communicate the map's message and make it appealing to its intended audience.
Determine if there are aspects of the data that must be added when compiling the map. When designing the information to be shown on the map, consider not only how the data is modeled but also its completeness, timeliness, and authority. The workflow for making web maps encompasses four primary activities: designing the information to be shown on the map, designing the map, designing the user experience, and promoting the finished web map. As with print maps, data should be complete, consistent, and authoritative. They may even expect the data used to make the map to be downloadable and free. For larger-scale maps, users expect detail and realism. They also expect interactive maps that support zooming at a minimum but also potentially support query, analysis, and customization. They expect current data and sometimes continuously updated data (e.g., maps that show monitoring sites). Users will likely also have certain expectations for web map content.
Web maps can also be portals for downloading or uploading content.
The map can be linked to databases that report attribute information, display images, play sounds when users click related map features, or perform analyses by accessing geoprocessing functionality. It is possible to show less on the map itself (e.g., labels or detailed features) and still convey information. Since the web environment is well suited for interaction, more information can be immediately shared using mouse-overs, ToolTips, information boxes, labels, and hyperlinks. The additive (top) and subtractive (bottom) color systems These characteristics challenge web mapmakers to design maps that possess high levels of graphic and information clarity. Users also expect what they are viewing to be of immediate and personal use to them. They do not focus long on content or tasks before becoming distracted, so not only should a web map display quickly, its functions should respond rapidly and its purpose should be immediately understood. Typically, web users have relatively short attention spans and high expectations. When designing a web map, as with any map you make, the first thing to ask is, "What is the purpose for this map?" The answer will disclose the map's audience and how it will be used by that audience. A web mapping application refers to both the script that is created to define the interface and the elements and functions provided through the interface. For mapmakers using Esri software, a web map is compiled in ArcGIS for Desktop's ArcMap, and the interface, map elements (e.g., legend, scale bar), query elements, and report elements are created using the ArcGIS viewers or ArcGIS APIs, available for JavaScript, Flex, and Silverlight. This article will help you take those differences into account and create more effective web maps.Ī web map is a map and related content presented in an online environment with an appropriate interface and optional functionality for queries and reports. Web maps have characteristics that make them different from print maps or other on-screen maps. Comparison of the web Mercator (left) and Winkel Tripel projections (right)
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