Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
1- Introduction
New opportunities for map-based services in different use contexts are
emerging. Map users also seem to be more demanding than ever before
regarding map-based services (Cartwright and Hunter 2001). Just guiding
the user through an unfamiliar environment is simply not enough anymore;
instead, the service should also be engaging, fun and aesthetically pleasing
(Sarjakoski et al. 2009a). In a map-based service, just like in any other
service, the role of emotional aspects in the interaction is high. Qualities
such as aesthetics, excitement, challenge or delight are equally as
important in a service as cognitive and functional aspects (Battarbee 2004).
The experience of using a service is always related to the users and the use
context; therefore, it is important to identify the possible users and take
that into consideration in the design (Vaajakallio et al. 2009). The user
group for interactive maps has increased rapidly compared to the
traditional printed map users (Schobesberger 2009). With user research
and the user-centred design (UCD) approach, the values, expectations and
preferences of future users may be found and then supported in design
through form, visuals and other qualities (Battarbee 2004).
A map-based multi-publishing service may include channels such as
printed maps, map applications for the web, mobile phones and other
interactive media. These different channels together form a uniform
interface for the map-based information. In a multi-publishing service the
user may use the channel or the combination of channels that is best suited
for the current situation. According to Sousa and Voss (2006) users value
the opportunity to choose the channel by themselves in their current need.
From a user's perspective the different channels should appear as a single
service, and therefore a seamless service experience across the channels
should be ensured (Sousa and Voss 2006). In a map-based multi-
publishing service the same geospatial information is delivered from a
single data core and adapted into all the channels (
Fig. 1
). On top of that in
a successful multi-publishing service the key issues are to network the
channels and to make the channels share a common visual identity (Flink
2009).
