GUIDELINES TO OPTIMIZED GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES OF
INTERACTIVE ATLASES
J. Cron, R. Sieber, L. Hurni
ETH Zurich, Institute of Cartography, Zurich, Switzerland
sieber@karto.baug.ethz.ch
The
wide dissemination of computers and their fast developing performance combined
with increasing Internet speed are responsible for the growing usage of digital
media in cartography. The classic printed atlas is more and more replaced or
supplemented by electronic atlases on CD-ROM/DVD or on the Internet. Such
interactive atlases are getting more powerful in functionality and
interactivity.
The
question of atlas and map usage thus becomes a rising challenge. The increasing
number of atlas applications shows that nearly identical functions are designed
and implemented in different ways, therefore their usage varies: simple and
intuitive handling of atlas tools is often limited. This might lead to lack of
interest, dissatisfaction or even confusion of the user. In order to avoid
this, the graphical user interface (GUI) has to be structured in a plain and
intuitive way. The essential functions need to be identifiable at a glance and
easy to use. Additionally, certain basic functions should be standardized. Up
to now, atlas authors are still looking for such guidelines to implement
functionality accurately.
In this
paper, an Atlas Cookbook for interactive maps and atlases is presented; it
serves as universal adviser and decision support for beginners, advanced
authors and professional developers.
In a first
step to achieve this goal, various interactive CD-ROM or Web-based atlases have
been reviewed, focusing on the implementation of their interface controls. In a
second step a matrix was created, in which each atlas function was analyzed
according to its functionality class and its interface controls. The results
were evaluated and general specifications and implementation rules were
deduced. Finally, these guidelines were compiled in an illustrated Atlas
Cookbook and will thus serve for the practical implementation of an atlas GUI.
As proof of
concept, a GUI prototype for the third version of the interactive «Atlas of
Switzerland» was created based on the recommended criteria and specifications
in the Atlas Cookbook. The functional behaviour and layout of some relevant map
controls were prototyped according to the cookbook.
The Atlas
Cookbook was designed as a compilation of GUI guidelines universally valid for
every kind of interactive atlas and is easily expandable for future atlas
functionality.