ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the results of the technological revolution in cartography during the first decade of the twenty-first century. It shows that maps are not static products any more; they are now dynamic and interactive; most maps are disseminated through the Web; and increasingly, maps are displayed on mobile devices to provide location-based services. The chapter suggests that it has become relatively easy to produce Web mapping applications; it is no longer costly to iteratively produce several versions of a cartographic design solution; and new methods and techniques of carrying out use, user and usability research are feasible. Interest in users and usability increased enormously and cartography became more demand-driven, instead of supply-driven. User-Centred Design approaches are on the rise and, rightfully, the focus is not only on usability research, but also on use and user requirement analysis. The chapter identifies potential usability problems of Web mapping sites in order to provide guidance for the future design of such services.
