I found some very interesting examples of interactive maps on the internet. I am planning on using these as a source of inspiration as well as a guide on what not to include in my own design.
NatGeo mapmaker interactive allows people to create their own interactive maps for free. Its unique selling points appear to be the fact that it is free, quick, and user-driven. It also allows users to add their own videos to the map and place markers on different parts of it. However, the massive drawback of this is the limited number of map templates you can use. You can only use maps of different countries, separated into a few different categories like economy, weather, geological, etc.
Google Maps is a widely known interactive map tool. It allows the users to zoom in on areas all over the world and view them from street level using Google Streetview. The user can search a postcode or location and find it instantly, which can help them navigate in real life. While incredibly practical and informational, Google Maps lacks visual appeal, focusing more on functionality than form.
My favourite of all the interactive maps I have researched is 50 Problems in 50 Days. This interactive map is visually appealing, showing a map of the world, covered in markers. The markers bring up slideshows depicting different people’s problems all over the world, and how the map’s designer attempted to solve these problems. It has a sleek design and an inventive concept. I will definitely use interactive markers in my own map, and see if it is possible to integrate slideshows as well, as I have found that these are a concise, fun way of displaying information.
NatGeo mapmaker interactive allows people to create their own interactive maps for free. Its unique selling points appear to be the fact that it is free, quick, and user-driven. It also allows users to add their own videos to the map and place markers on different parts of it. However, the massive drawback of this is the limited number of map templates you can use. You can only use maps of different countries, separated into a few different categories like economy, weather, geological, etc.
Google Maps is a widely known interactive map tool. It allows the users to zoom in on areas all over the world and view them from street level using Google Streetview. The user can search a postcode or location and find it instantly, which can help them navigate in real life. While incredibly practical and informational, Google Maps lacks visual appeal, focusing more on functionality than form.
My favourite of all the interactive maps I have researched is 50 Problems in 50 Days. This interactive map is visually appealing, showing a map of the world, covered in markers. The markers bring up slideshows depicting different people’s problems all over the world, and how the map’s designer attempted to solve these problems. It has a sleek design and an inventive concept. I will definitely use interactive markers in my own map, and see if it is possible to integrate slideshows as well, as I have found that these are a concise, fun way of displaying information.