• 1. Animation and Interactivity
  • 1.1. Animation
  • 1.2. Animation and Cartography
  • 1.3. Interactivity
  • 1.4. Interactivity and Cartography
  • 1.5. Summary
  • 1.6. Glossary
  • 1.7. Bibliography
  • 1.8. Metadata

1.5. Summary

Animation and Interactivity are quite often implemented in multimedia maps. Animation is used to show the changing of dynamic attributes. And interactivity is implemented to allow the user to interact with the map. Often, animation and interactivity are combined. An animation without control elements such as start and stop buttons is not a good animation. The user should have the possibility to control the animation so that he/she is able to watch the animation multiple times. Using the mentioned control elements means always that there is interaction between the user and the computer.

Example of an interactive animated map (geovista.com)

Interactivity is not only clicking on a button but also rollover effects, click and drag events or entering key strokes.

Implementing animation or interactivity into a map is always time consuming. Therefore, it is recommended to first create a concept about the interactive and animated content of the map.
The map should not be overcrowded with interactive or animated elements. Only needed interactions and animations should be implemented. A map is not an interactive game - except if the target is to create a game that includes an interactive map - where the challenge is to find all the hidden interactions and animations.

Update: 26.1.2012 (eLML) - Contact - Print (PDF) - © CartouCHe 2004-2007 (Creative Commons) - layout based on YAML