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Abstract |
Maps are created as soon
as one needs insight in geospatial patterns and relations. They are produced
and used both on paper as well as on-screen. The WWW is the new medium for
disseminating and using maps. This book explains the benefits of this medium
from the perspective of the user, and the map provider. Opportunities and
pitfalls are illustrated by a set of case studies. This website accompanies
the book and provides a dynamic environment for demonstrating many of the
principles set out in the text.
The authors look at basic questions such as "I have this data what can I do
with it?" and discuss the various functions of maps on the Web. Web Cartography
also looks at the particularities of multidimensional web maps and addresses
topics such as map design (colour, text and symbols), map physics (size and
resolution), and the map environment (interface design/site contents). For
the book's table of contents click the blue button on the left side of this
page. Click the button below for the book's abstract.
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In
the recent past map production was revolutionised by the advent of sophisticated
computer software in the graphics industry and now an extremely rapid
technological development is going on in the electronic dissemination
of all kinds of information, including maps. Much of this dissemination
is on the Internet, using the World Wide Web. Although web maps have
some disadvantages compared to traditional paper maps, particularly
in terms of size and portability, the virtual, temporary characteristics
of web maps are advantages. These maps can be distributed easily and
if changes occur, the supplier has to update only one single map and
all the users immediately have access to the updated version. One other
advantage is that most web maps are produced on demand. In some cases
the user can decide which map to see and what its contents will be.