Application of Flash map

Think of an image map, when you move the mouse cursor over the countries and cities and the country changes color or zooms out showing a greater level of detail, a callout appears beside the cursor with details about the country or city. You intuitively know that if you click, you will see more information either on the map or on another page. This is an interactive flash map.

The main attraction of flash maps is their

• Contextual nature and
• Visual appeal

OK, so how are we going to use this nifty tool?

• Information about a range of products on a website or PowerPoint presentation
• Demographic data
• Wildlife distribution and populations
• The map of an exhibition showing the different facilities and companies
• The solar system with all planets shown and expanded when selected
• A plan of a hotel showing elevators, rooms and other facilities
• A list of shopping facilities on a map
• A menu in an interactive cyber or fast food restaurant
• To provide directions in a very large shopping center

What is a flash map ?

We are sure that you get the idea. As your mouse cursor passes over a point of interest, a relevant interactive display is given.

A convention center website would have an introduction, then a diagram or picture of the center. As you travel over the plan, you can expand to show video or still images of the dining room, the assembly areas, and the conference area or even lead the viewer to a price list and a list of services provided by the staff. The map could also function as a menu for the website.

Maybe you need to display information about a zoo. You could be doing a presentation using PowerPoint initially then plan to place the presentation on the website and even on the intranet.

Show the picture of the gates; lead the visitor through to the ticketing area, the amenities and then onward to the higher profile residents like the elephants and giraffes. The monkeys are always active.