• 1. Introduction to Multimedia Cartography
  • 1.1. What Is Multimedia
  • 1.2. History of Multimedia
  • 1.3. Multimedia-Cartography
  • 1.4. Structure and Navigation
  • 1.5. Self Assessment
  • 1.6. Summary
  • 1.7. Recommended Reading
  • 1.8. Glossary
  • 1.9. Bibliography
  • 1.10. Metadata

1.6. Summary

Multimedia-Cartography differs from traditional cartography in several aspects. Digital multimedia combines more than two media. Not only images and text but also timebased elements such as sound, video or animation may be implemented in a multimedia project.

The development of multimedia relies on the development of computer systems in general. An article from Vannevar Bush in 1945 about a machine which was able to link various documents, was the starting point for the development of multimedia. From this concept evolved the concept of hypertext systems. Hypertext is text extended by links. These links are pointers to other pieces of text that are located elsewhere, either in the same or in another document or both. By clicking these links one can browse in one or more documents. Hypertext can be extended to Hypermedia to include the linking of images, sound, etc. A hypermedia application can be either page-based (organized like a book) or synchronization-based (time is the central organizing principle).

In a multimedia-cartography application, the map ought to be the main issue. There are various map types which can be implemented in an application: Static or dynamic maps which can, again, be subdivided into view only and interactive maps. The choice which map type is used in an application depends on the represented subject of the map.

The structure and the navigation of a multimedia application depends also on the function and the subject of the application. A multimedia application may be structured in a non-sequential (the application is structured like a network) or sequential (step by step the user is lead through the application) way.
To get an answer to questions like where I am in the application, where can I go next, etc. is very important for a user. Thus the navigation elements of an application play a significant role. A map may feature several navigation elements: spatial, temporal and thematic elements.

A multimedia map may feature interactivity so that the user has the possibility to interact with the map. A common instrument for realizing interactivity is giving the user the possibility to change the visualization options of a map.

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