Chapter 3 - Maps on the Web

Abstract

Providing maps on the Web and the different strategies required for Web cartography has changed the genre of the communication of geographical information. Web cartography, in its portrayal methods and viewing conditions, differs from paper maps, including those produced by CAD or DeskTop Publishing (DTP) packages. Maps and geospatial information visualizations delivered via World Wide Web (WWW) require a different design and production approach to paper maps and screen maps produced by various packages. The strategies needed for map generation, communication, and display are still being developed, tested, and improved. What constitutes the best design format for Web maps is still a matter of debate and research. The research processes focus on the considerations needed for setting out the design and production process for Web maps to ensure both effective design and efficient production procedures. This chapter also addresses the new area of Web mapping and discusses the question as to why maps delivered through the web are different, what constitutes effective web map design, and the criteria by which they should be evaluated. It provides notes about resources that provide information related to both good and bad practice, and provides links to Web-delivered design resources and guidelines.