Exploring Cartographic Differences in Web Map Applications: Evaluating Design, Scale, and Usability
Although there are many articles dealing with web map applications, they often focus on just one or a few applications. Several articles deal with the technical solution of the applications, but relatively few are focused on the cartographic aspects of these applications. This article evaluates eigh...
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MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2220-9964/14/1/9 |
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| author | Jakub Zejdlik Vit Vozenilek |
| author_facet | Jakub Zejdlik Vit Vozenilek |
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| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Although there are many articles dealing with web map applications, they often focus on just one or a few applications. Several articles deal with the technical solution of the applications, but relatively few are focused on the cartographic aspects of these applications. This article evaluates eight web mapping applications based on six cartographic aspects: map key, map scale, map layout, navigation elements, labels, and analytical tools. The objective is to identify differences in the presentation of geographic information and propose improvements for cartographic quality and user-friendliness. The methodology involved visual analysis at two scales. The comparison included applications such as Mapy.cz, OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, Bing Maps, HERE Maps, MapQuest, ViaMichelin, and Locus Map. The results revealed significant differences among the applications that may impact user orientation and experience. For instance, Google Maps does not display forest symbols on its default map, which can reduce clarity, whereas Mapy.cz offers the most comprehensive range of analytical tools. Advertisements in applications like MapQuest and ViaMichelin disrupt the user experience, and some applications lack essential functions, such as distance measurement. The paper identifies strengths and weaknesses in the cartographic design of these applications. Findings reveal that while each application possesses unique characteristics, they share common features. An interesting feature is the absence of cartographic symbols and labels of some elements in some applications. The study recommends the unification of cartographic principles and further user testing to optimize the layout and functionality of web mapping applications. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0475596ca9204a5bb75512e24a27cfe7 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2220-9964 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information |
| spelling | doaj-art-0475596ca9204a5bb75512e24a27cfe72025-01-24T13:34:58ZengMDPI AGISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information2220-99642024-12-01141910.3390/ijgi14010009Exploring Cartographic Differences in Web Map Applications: Evaluating Design, Scale, and UsabilityJakub Zejdlik0Vit Vozenilek1Department of Geoinformatics, Palacký University Olomouc, 17 Listopadu 50, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech RepublicDepartment of Geoinformatics, Palacký University Olomouc, 17 Listopadu 50, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech RepublicAlthough there are many articles dealing with web map applications, they often focus on just one or a few applications. Several articles deal with the technical solution of the applications, but relatively few are focused on the cartographic aspects of these applications. This article evaluates eight web mapping applications based on six cartographic aspects: map key, map scale, map layout, navigation elements, labels, and analytical tools. The objective is to identify differences in the presentation of geographic information and propose improvements for cartographic quality and user-friendliness. The methodology involved visual analysis at two scales. The comparison included applications such as Mapy.cz, OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, Bing Maps, HERE Maps, MapQuest, ViaMichelin, and Locus Map. The results revealed significant differences among the applications that may impact user orientation and experience. For instance, Google Maps does not display forest symbols on its default map, which can reduce clarity, whereas Mapy.cz offers the most comprehensive range of analytical tools. Advertisements in applications like MapQuest and ViaMichelin disrupt the user experience, and some applications lack essential functions, such as distance measurement. The paper identifies strengths and weaknesses in the cartographic design of these applications. Findings reveal that while each application possesses unique characteristics, they share common features. An interesting feature is the absence of cartographic symbols and labels of some elements in some applications. The study recommends the unification of cartographic principles and further user testing to optimize the layout and functionality of web mapping applications.https://www.mdpi.com/2220-9964/14/1/9map applicationcartographycomparisonwebinteractive |
| spellingShingle | Jakub Zejdlik Vit Vozenilek Exploring Cartographic Differences in Web Map Applications: Evaluating Design, Scale, and Usability ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information map application cartography comparison web interactive |
| title | Exploring Cartographic Differences in Web Map Applications: Evaluating Design, Scale, and Usability |
| title_full | Exploring Cartographic Differences in Web Map Applications: Evaluating Design, Scale, and Usability |
| title_fullStr | Exploring Cartographic Differences in Web Map Applications: Evaluating Design, Scale, and Usability |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring Cartographic Differences in Web Map Applications: Evaluating Design, Scale, and Usability |
| title_short | Exploring Cartographic Differences in Web Map Applications: Evaluating Design, Scale, and Usability |
| title_sort | exploring cartographic differences in web map applications evaluating design scale and usability |
| topic | map application cartography comparison web interactive |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2220-9964/14/1/9 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT jakubzejdlik exploringcartographicdifferencesinwebmapapplicationsevaluatingdesignscaleandusability AT vitvozenilek exploringcartographicdifferencesinwebmapapplicationsevaluatingdesignscaleandusability |