Design rules and practices for animated maps online

Abstract

The article focuses on the classification of animated maps online according to eight criteria: layout, title, legend, temporal legend, interactions, interactive tools, multimedia and special effects. The arrangement of individual elements of layout has a substantial influence on the effectiveness of animated maps. The author examined 100 animated maps and answered the question: are animated maps that are published on the internet designed with guidelines that are given by cartographers? The research showed that animated maps are designed very carefully and correspond with guides made by cartographers in the subject literature. It turns out that technology is adapting to good guides; however, at the same time it transforms animated maps into a ready-to-market product. Map designers are dealing with the process of map design, including replacing some classical elements with elements from internet technology. On the basis of this research it is clear that the evolution of animated maps which is taking place is not causing erosion of the cartographic rules, but they are adapting to new technological and user circumstances.

Keywords:

• Animated cartography
• layout design
• interactive animated map
• multimedia map
• special effects

Acknowledgement

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.