1.2.1. Why Animation in Maps?
Already in the early sixties, Norman Thrower realised the enormous potential of animated maps:
"By the use of animated cartography we are able to create the impression of continuous change and thereby approach the ideal in historical geography, where phenomena appear "as dynamic rather than static entities". Distributions which seem to be particularly well suited to animation include the spread of populations, the development of lines of transportation, the removal of forests, changing political boundaries, the expansion of urban areas, and seasonal climatic patterns." (Thrower 1959)Static Versus Animated Maps
Imagine you have to visualise the changing of the population density in Switzerland between 1950 and 2000 (in steps of ten years).
In a static map, we are able to show only one of the ten
years. Population density of Switzerland in the year 1950 (data source: © Atlas of
Switzerland 2004) |
Within an animated map, we are able to show all necessary years in
a sequence. Animation of population density between 1950 and 2000 (in steps of ten years)
of Switzerland (data source: © Atlas of Switzerland 2004) |
Not only the listed phenomena are more conveniently visualised with animated maps. There are lots of other possibilities how to use animation in a map. Often, animations are used to point out (highlight) things. The following example shows the highlighting of a state when it is chosen in the selection list. Note, that this example doesn't work in Firefox.
Update: 26.1.2012 (eLML) - Contact - Print (PDF) - © CartouCHe 2004-2007 (Creative Commons)
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