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

Bjorn Svensson

Abstract

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, 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.

1. Introduction

Usability issues of an online atlas can be divided into two groups:

This paper will focus on the atlas aspect, i.e. how to create a web site with a multitude of different maps. It will not discus how to make a map application. It will not discus technical solutions, but usability issues.

2. Examples of Some Online Atlases as of Spring 2000:

2.1. Browsable lists
Yahoo-like hierarchical systems, lists, and lists of lists
2.2. Map servers with multiple layers
2.3. Map servers with multiple layers and multiple starting points
2.4. Map server with changeable, browsable lists of maps
2.5. Map server with search and browse, and multiple starting points
Other, "simple", map sites
Other map sites include some of the most popular map sites which contain location maps, directional or navigation aids. For example: MapQuest, MapBlast, Yahoo Maps, gulasidorna.se (Swedish Yellow Pages), and MapsOnUs).

3. Lessons from Non-Map Sites

Usability issues of an online atlas have much in common with other information rich web sites, so what can we potentially learn from these?

A large web sites need search and browse
Using search or browse functionality is often a good way of helping users find what the can not seem to find using the "normal" navigation on the web site. "Search" is an integral part of the Internet and "findability" is one of the major problem. Make sure your visitors can find what you want them to find on your web site!
Alternative paths
Some user might search by geographical extent and other by theme or category. Some might be primarily in the statistics or subject of the map, while others are focused on "maps". Make it as easy as possible for all by providing a few alternative paths. One special path is the search & browse as described above.
Bookmarkable locations
OK, so the user finally finds something useful. How will she be able to come back to this resource? Can she store the page as a favorite location in her browser or on the server using profiles and/or cookies?
Content and functionality
Use supporting links to allow the user to simply find related information or maps.
Log file analysis
Another useful action is the analysis of the web server log files. Analyze the "search" queries. Unless the search is not the primary way of navigating your web site, the search queries can be good indications of what people have problem finding.
Metadata
The use of metadata such as subject keywords and geographic extent is part of a useful information architecture that simplifies the automatic creation of browsing system as well as linkage between maps of similar content.
Planned labeling system
There are several ways of hiding complexity so as not to un-necessary burden the user. By using a planned labelling system, the "labels" can fill several functions in additions to their generic function: indexing terms, providing a basis for a browsable system, link labels, headings. Though you can devise your planned labelling system yourself, you might also want to consider controlled vocabularies or thesauri created by professionals.
Supporting links
Use supporting links to allow the user to simply find related information or maps.
User testing
To find out whether the web site is working it is important to do user testing. See below for more suggestions.
Vision of web site
Is there a clear vision for the web site? From the producer or consumer perspective?
Where am I?
It is easy to become lost both on the web and in an individual web site. A simply way used today by most information-rich web sites is to display the "recursive path".
The picture below shows an example from a search engine and it's quite clear "where" on Altavista we've ended up.
Screenshot of Altavisa as an example of a recursive path

4. Practical Tips for Successful Atlases on the Web

4.1. User testing
The best way is to observe real users doing real things. It is not always necessary with special usability labs and large focus groups. A cheaper, simpler, and perhaps better solution is to use just a few ordinary users [Nielsen 2000]. You will most likely locate most of your usability problems. And since it is so cheap, you can afford to do test more alternative solutions and prototypes in different stages. In fact, I would argue that most web sites (with or without maps) still have major usability problems that can be found simply by watching your friend or colleague down the hall using your web site.
4.2. Automated usability testing
Some aspects can be assessed through the automatic use of computer programs:
4.3. Cross-browser compatibility
A simple way of to ensure cross-browser compatibility is to follow HTML and CSS standards. See also above under "HTML Validation". If using javascript, make sure it works on your users web-browsers (incl. different browsers, different operating systems However, since most browsers add their own extensions (and bugs) and try, in different ways, to "guess" how illegal (as well as legal) HTML code is meant to look like. Therefore some HTML might technically be illegal, but still work on one or more browsers. Therefore it is crucial that developers know whether they are using illegal HTML by design or by mistake. Also note that there are no real JavaScript standard.Similarly, neither Microsoft nor Netscape consider
4.4. Allow for alternative navigation
Any content-rich web site need a navigation structure that support most of their users need. In general, this would include a well-designed search & browse system.

5. Conclusion

A simple classification of online atlases, as well as examples, have been given above. Taking into consideration the similarities of complex online atlases and other complex web sites, I have tried to point out a few issues as it regards usability as well as providing practical tips and pointing to additional available resources that are not map-specific.

Appendix

Resources on the web

Other resources

References

Author information

Björn Svensson
Project Manager, Electronic Editions of the National Atlas of Sweden
National Atlas of Sweden
National Land Survey of Sweden
Box 511
SE-162 15 Vallingby
Sweden
Tel: +46-8-687 98 38
Fax: +46-8-687 98 40
Email: bjorn.svensson@lm.se
Website: www.sna.se

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