User Focus for a Multimap Web Site: Improving the Usability of an Online Atlas

Author: Bjorn Svensson
Organization: National Atlas of Sweden

Kartcentrum
Box 512
Vallingby, SE-162 15
SWEDEN

Phone: +46-8-687 98 38
Fax: +46-8-687 98 40
bjorn.svensson@lm.se

Today most map Web sites use only one main starting map ("view" in ArcView GIS terminology). Even though one can zoom in and out as well as turn layers on or off, it is still based on a single map. At the National Atlas of Sweden (SNA) we publish more than 700 interactive maps using both static and dynamic maps created with Avenue, Perl/CGI, and ArcIMS. This paper addresses the usability issues of a complex map site and how usability can be improved through a user-centered approach and a well-designed database. It will also show the importance of information architecture for easier site navigation and an improved user experience.