Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Visualization Problems in Worldwide Map
Portals
Jana Stehl´kov
´
, Helena
ˇ
ezn´kov
´
, Hana Ko
ˇ
ov
´
, and Zdenˇk Stacho
ˇ
Introduction
Worldwide map portals are very often used for identifying the geographical loca-
tion of a target destination or searching for the best route to an unfamiliar place.
There are a great number of web maps on the Internet which provide a map itself
and many map tools, however much they differ in their level of user friendliness.
Although web map portals have been analysed in numerous studies with respect to
user interface and map visualization, no standard of web map design has been
published so far.
This paper builds on and contributes to the work of Nivala et al. (
2008
), who
examined four different mapping sites. Several usability tests were conducted on
users, and usability problems were recognized and further analysed. However, these
tests were carried out 5 years ago. Is it feasible to assume that all of these problems
have already been solved?
This study provides additional insight into problems related to map visualization
and designing the user interface of worldwide map portals. First, some problems of
usability testing are identified. A usability test covering three worldwide map
portals (Google Maps, Bing Maps and MapQuest) is then described. Finally, results
of the testing and guidelines for designing highly usable map visualization are
presented.
