Use and Users of Maps on the Web

Abstract

Accessibility and actuality are presented here as the real benefits of the WWW medium for the dissemination of geospatial information through maps. In addition, the Web allows different modes of using web maps that address different map use goals. An argument is made that a great deal of web map use research will be required to develop more effective cartographic tools to better serve the needs of the users. Part of this research will have to be directed towards the characteristics of the web map users and the nature of their questions. Currently, we are witnessing a significant diversification of the user profile combined with an exponential growth of the total number of Internet users worldwide. The global distribution of the Internet is still very uneven, but there are now signs that the geographical anomalies will be somewhat reduced in the years to come. There are a number of other problems and limitations with which users are confronted in their use of maps on the web. However, the Web already is the major medium for the dissemination of maps and it has a great potential for further growth. But, this growth will have to be accompanied by cartographic research.

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