Map Concepts in Multimedia Products

Conclusion

Iterations are not shown in the model depicted in Figure 2, but they are necessary, as all these aspects influence each other. What we want to express would influence the choice of the carrier. But, as indicated with the example of the National Atlas of Germany, the choice of carrier in turn influences the contents. It is a complex environment of construction, in which we will only be able to produce relevant multimedia products when we are able to differentiate between and take into account the various roles played by the maps involved.

As indicated above, these roles are (1) to make the overall multimedia product function properly and (2) to allow users to interact in a relevant way with the cartographic part of the product. While playing the first role, maps function as spatial organizers, as navigation tools and as interfaces to the geographical database contained in the product. Their second role allows users to adapt the maps contained to their requirements, generate the cartographic images they want and manipulate them in such a way that new insight might be gained.