Adaptation to Context — A Way to Improve the Usability of Mobile Maps

Abstract

This chapter examines the usability of topographic maps on mobile devices. To evaluate this usability, field tests in a national park were arranged with a group of test users as a part of the GiMoDig project. The purpose of the evaluation was to identify preliminary design principles for maps on small displays, as well as the main benefits and obstacles in using topographic maps on mobile devices. As a result of the user test, the mobile contexts relevant for topographic mobile maps were identified. Regarding mobile map services, the most important context of use is currently the location of a user. However, several other contexts worthy of attention were: system, purpose of use, time, physical surroundings, navigational history, orientation, user, and cultural and social contexts. How some of these contexts were considered for the implementation of adaptive maps, is also described. As is normally seen in the iterative process of user-centred design, the implementations presented here will also be evaluated, and the experiences gained will be used in the second round of user-centred design cycle.