"SWISS WORLD ATLAS – INTERACTIVE" – ANALYSIS OF
USER NEEDS AND OBJECTIVES OF A NEW SCHOOL ATLAS
P. Marty, C. Haeberling, L. Hurni
ETH
haeberling@karto.baug.ethz.ch
The "Swiss World
Atlas" is the most widespread school atlas for geographic education at
secondary school level (12 to 19 years old students) in
This contribution will present the results
of an extensive poll about atlases and use of computers for geographic
education in
Regarding the contents the atlas should
provide maps with the same thematic content in a quite similar cartographic
design. Certainly, map object characteristics, object density and map labelling
must be adapted to screen display. The often high thematic complexity of
printed maps should be reduced by separating map objects in manageable layer
groups. Furthermore, different representation types were demanded. Besides
classic maps at different scales and generalization degrees, interactive
orthophoto maps, satellite images, 3D maps, or other cartographic illustrations
will be integrated.
To support their lessons
in different tasks (e.g. gaining orientation, extracting information, analyzing
structures), geography teachers appreciate the development of a high
interactive functionality. Moreover, clickable maps for additional information (e.g. interactive
legends, pictures, tables) would be estimated.
From a technical point
of view, basic web tools should be designed to present maps very easily and
without additional plug-in installations. Then, the navigation within the atlas
content must be clear and user-friendly. Finally, the atlas should be adaptable
to the specific needs of teachers, such as integration of own maps or analysis
of imported geo-data.
The priority of evaluated user needs of specifications lead to some general objectives of this user-centred development of the "Swiss World Atlas – interactive". A considerable number of maps of the printed version will also be available in digital form. This allows a simultaneous use of both printed and interactive atlas versions. The electronic atlas will offer much interactivity to assist teachers with adapted maps (e.g. with projected wall maps, silent maps). It will be extended with additional attractive and newsworthy cartographic representations (e.g. 3D maps, maps about current topics). Anyhow, the atlas will run with easy-to-handle and robust internet technologies.