This web page will evaluate 3 types of maps on the web: static, interactive, and animated.
This site contains six panels of weather related maps of the U.S. Although the colors are bright and visually pleasing, it is difficult to understand what they represent. The legend should be larger and more explanative. Also, a nice addition would be to include the numeric values within the color bands right on the map itself. Additionally the six panels could be separated and the titles made more apparent. The actual information being displayed is current and very useful.
This map looks as if a paper map was scanned and put directly onto the web. It takes a significant amount of time to download this image. The font is easily read and the colors and shading really enhance the map. Because the image is so large, it is easy to lose perspective as to where a feature is actually located within the park. A smaller map that fit onto the screen would be helpful in figuring out relative location. The legend is helpful but inconvenient to refer to if you are at the bottom of the page.
This interactive site is very useful and interesting, as well as easy to use. Volcano sites around the world are indicated by red triangles. Any triangle can be clicked on to get current information about that particular volcano. Also text below the map can be clicked on to get the same information. The map is fairly simple, yet serves its purpose. There is no scale or north arrow as people should be familiar with this world map.
This site allows users to create their own map of Canada. Although fairly simple to figure out, a few more instructions would be helpful. For example, a title page explaining that the map is of Canada and what choices will follow would be a nice addition. Although there are many choices made by the user, the time it takes to complete the map is not long. The purpose is served because the user is able to define what elements, color, and text they want on the map. The finished map is an appropriate size.
This site contains a map showing the route of the Lewis and Clark Trail. The map is animated, but the animation is not really effective. The trails move too slowly and the text is difficult to read if the map screen is made bigger. If the screen is not enlarged, it is too small to effectively view the map. Also, the date and events could be better displayed directly on the map at the location on the trail where they occurred.
This site is more of an animation than an animated map. Although it is possible to see a rough outline of the Boston harbor, it is difficult to see relative location while the image is in motion. It is also difficult to perceive the scale and direction of the pollution flow. A caption or other text explaining the pollution flow would be helpful. The three dimensional movement is impressive, yet does not serve a useful purpose as a map.
This animated world map looks nice but it is difficult to interpret. Colors are indicative of temperatures, but there is no legend defining what temperature each color indicates. Also, the animation moves too fast and there is no supporting text.
The information presented here is very useful, but difficult to view. It is a compilation of many .gif images set in motion. Each .gif image represents a date. The date is listed below and explains a particular event. While viewing the animation, the user cannot see the dates at the same time. It becomes difficult to associate the map image with the event. The color scheme works well together, but there is no legend to explain what each color represents. It is assumed the viewer is familar with Bosnia, so there is no scale or direction arrow.
These evaluations were done for Dr. Peterson's Advanced Cartographic Methods graduate class.
Map evaluations and projects done by other students in the class
