This week, for the 1%, I want you to read the blog post in the link below.
Web map design (MAIN BLOG ARTICLE)
We had considered using MangoMap in this module but others tools like OpenLayers and Geoserver link much better with JavaScript, are more widely known and offer much greater functionality. Also, unfortunately, MangoMap stopped being free! The blog post discusses some elements of good design for web maps rather than standard maps for expert users. Discuss some of the main differences between (A) standard maps for expert users and (B) web based maps for the masses.
The following link from Esri may offer some help:
Supporting story (NOT THE MAIN BLOG ARTICLE)
Both articles will offer some help when it comes to completing assignment 2 (the practical project). Please make sure you post your comments by Friday of next week (17th April) - posts after Friday will not receive the 1% mark.
Paul
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ReplyDeleteAs Niamh has pointed out there are many differences between standard maps for expert users and web based maps for the masses. One of the main differences between these representations of geographic information is the amount of time and interest people have in them. For instance, web maps are designed to be simple, useful, interactive and notable. In other words the purpose of the website is immediately understood by a lay person or expert cartographer. Web maps are meant to engage with the wider audience therefore the information contained within the maps are not as detailed or informative as standard maps. Web maps are also very sensitive to design layouts, the designer must be conscious of font type, colours and size of symbology used, a messy layout can deter web users to revisit the site. Although standard maps can benefit exert users they also overwhelm and possibly alienate the average person.
ReplyDeleteI think every map has a specific audience, be it for expert map users or the masses. I don’t believe that all web-maps are for a general audience and so don’t all necessarily need to have simplified features with big buttons etc. That being said, web-mapping has opened the sphere of mapping to a wider user base (i.e anyone using the Internet) and hence user engagement is key. If the user isn't encouraged to interact with the map it doesn't matter how good the cartography is because most users won't get far enough to appreciate it, they'll just move on to something more eye-catching.
ReplyDeleteFor this reason web-based maps aimed at the masses need to be simple but with further information instantly available through mouse-overs, information boxes or hyperlinks etc. Bright, eye-catching colours, large font and clean design are also components to web-mapping for a wider, general audience. On the other hand, standard maps for expert users would be frequently used as an analytical tool where accuracy and clarity would be of utmost importance and design would depend on the purpose the map was intended for.
The key point from both articles is that when designing a map it is important to consider who the map is for. When producing a map for an expert it is important to include all the important features of a map and to display it so that all information about the map can be seen clearly. Where as when designing a web map you have to get the viewer interested in the map first, then show them the information about the map. It is clear that an expert will spend more time looking at the overall map before moving on, where a web viewer will only take a quick look then decide whether to move on or not. So for web viewers it is important to grab their attention.
ReplyDeleteBut when designing a web map that may be printed by an expert of web user, it is important to consider that this print map needs to display all the information. This could mean that the print map needs to be slightly different to the web map. If a web viewer is printing it then you have already grabbed their attention; so the more standard expert type map is now more suitable.
In both types of maps it is important that any information shown is accurate at its time of creation. But web viewers expect maps to be updated more regularly than a map expert, who may expect a completely new map or new information to be displayed in a different way. This would mean that it is important for both maps to have a date stamp of last updated on them.
When a map is designed for a standard map expert they want all information to be displayed clearly for them. Where a web viewer wants to interact with the map, to be able to find out more information about the map. This interaction with the map makes it more attractive to the web viewer, it also means that you can show a small area initially and then let the user explore the rest of the area.
I don't wish to repeat the points that Niamh, Carol, Vanessa and Fiona have made, so will pick up on subject of attention span. Both printed and web based maps for "the masses" face the issue of "short attention spans". It's so true when you think about your own behaviour on the web (or at least it's true for me). Given the vast amount of material on the internet, it's ever so easy for web users to click away from a web page. But it's also true for the "non-internet" world these days (that is, the real world). Maps and other sources of information need to make their point quickly otherwise our attention is diverted else-where. This is a natural reaction to the overload of information that we are bombarded with in today's age.
ReplyDeleteThis creates a key difference between maps for expert users and the maps for the masses. Relatively speaking, maps for expert users are less accessible and are designed to be studied for a period of time. If they are on the web this includes having sophisticated controls for interaction. Maps for the masses are there to make a point, and make it quickly before the users' attention is diverted. This is equally valid if they are a road side sign, or a map illustrating a point such as the number of English in Scotland and vice versa.
As stated here, the key difference between web mapping and maps for expert users is the inference that the web map must be understood and usable to the lowest common denominator of the sector of the population the web map is aimed at. Although not in itself a barrier to depth and range of application, it lends itself to more consideration of the end user and their requirements.
ReplyDeleteIt could be argued that as web mapping becomes more prevalent and used in greater amounts domestically, internationally and globally that the gap and distinct lines between web maps for the masses and maps for expert users will become more blurred and the distinction may be more difficult to determine in the long term. Of course one of the main considerations for this 'increase' in long term use of web mapping is availability and to some extent still, access to the web and the reliability of servers and connections.
Of course maps for expert users will retain a certain exclusivity, often due to the subject matter or the technicality of the map itself. A key question therefore remains, who are the masses and how much capability do the really need and want?.
It is difficult to add anymore than has been said already. Maps for expert users and lay people are different although I expect GIS people can appreciate a simple well designed map. Much has been said about maps being able to “tell lies” so it is probably most important that the information to be shown on the maps for lay people is created very carefully as they may not be able to read between the lines. Following the suggested design principles such as big buttons and large font could be good for certain internet surfers e.g. people on mobile phones, but I think internet users are quite sophisticated nowadays. The websites and maps need to follow the current fashion, not everyone wants big and brazen.
ReplyDeleteWebsites and maps for expert users can still be stylish. Using a site that has been created with care would make you feel that the map and data is more credible and accurate.