W o r l d W a r I M a p r o o m
Graphic Attributes:
This page serves as an out-of-copyright repository for maps produced about or during World War I. Only some of the maps are zoomable and many of the scans could be bigger and better. Moreover, information regarding the historical context of each map could be provided--perhaps a small timeline below the map or a link to a chronology page. For some maps, particularly those in a series, the legend is provided as a separate image. A theatre of operations map on the main page would be nice for people unfamiliar with the scope of the war.
Cartographic Functions:
The maps at this site must be considered reference maps. Perhaps the best example is the Trenches at Messines page. The maps provided were actually used during the war and show the complexity of the trench system. There is a clickable master map as well as information regarding the restoration of the maps and a link to see related archive photos.
Review:
Even though it is a work in progress, the World War I: Trenches on the Web
is one of those rare sites actually worth the visit. The site incorporates VRML and a zoomable, fractal image format (.fif) which hold promise for the Maproom. To see what the fractal format is all about, have a look at this German propaganda poster and try zooming in by holding down the command key and zooming out by holding down both the command and option keys. Whether or not you are interested in World War I, there is enough well organized content here to interest almost anyone.
Graphic Attributes:
The maps generated by MapQuest are of excellent quality for the World Wide Web. The choice of colors is nice, and the level of detail is consistent with the scale. Also, symbolism remains constant through scale changes.
Cartographic Functions:
Judging by the standard interface, there are ten levels of detail ranging from the national scale all the way down to street level. Map options include size, color and detail, toggle tables, location of tools, and the display of points of interest. The standard version makes use of direction arrows for panning while the enhanced versions have a moveable window in the inset map. All in all, MapQuest puts very few limits on how the user can view maps.
Review:
Even though the Interactive Atlas misplaced my address on the map, MapQuest is a real eye-opener to the potential of maps on the World Wide Web. While the Interactive Atlas is more toy than tool, TripQuest provides a welcome trip planning service. In comparison to similar Java enabled sites like Virtual Boston, MapQuest does not fall short on cartographic functionality and appeal.
S a n F r a n c i s c o t o M i a m i
Graphic Attributes:
The flythrough was created using GOES weather satellite data, a digital elevation model, and a database of cities and state boundaries. At the top of the movie, dynamic information regarding the time, latitude, longitude, and heading are given. With such added effects as rain the movie does achieve some sense of realism.
Cartographic Functions:
Although it is neat to look at, one wonders about the actual utility of such a map. Since the cloud height is arbitrary and their shape is a function of their coloration on the satellite imagery, some might also take exception to its cartographic integrity. Certainly, the incorporation of real cloud ceilings recorded at terminals along the route would greatly increase the reality of the visualization. Also, to be truly predictive, weather models must be part of the input as well.
Review:
The map belongs to an effort to create predictive weather visualizations for pilots. During flight planning, pilots must decipher complex textual data regarding potential weather hazards. The hope is that making this data visual will improve route selection and reduce pilot error.