Interactive maps on the internet have become frequently used means to convey spatial information to the public. However, many maps are not developed to suit a variety of users and thus lead to frustration. To user-center maps we therefore recommend to personalize them to individual users. As many parameters that can be used as a trigger for personalization are not easy to be logged on the internet, we suggest user-map interaction. Interaction can be easily tracked and gives comprehensive information about map use. Since no interpretation of user-map interaction is available it is the aim of this PhD to observe interaction, and to evaluate and interpret it. We hypothesize that there are map interaction patterns, means recurring sequences of consecutive actions which are necessary to complete a task. Our goal is to deduce parameters for personalization from these map interaction patterns.Interactive maps are popular to convey spatial information to the public. Through the internet they are suitable to inform a broad mass of people about spatial developments in cities or about environmental issues, such as noise, energy, or land use. Therefore they are frequently used as information platforms for spatial topics on the internet. However, maps on the internet have their drawbacks: different map users with varied interests, experiences with digital maps and previous knowledge are provided with the same map content, functions and interaction modes. Wilson [13] gives an example of the consequences: "Presenting all users with maps containing default feature content can easily hinder individual users' particular task goals by including irrelevant spatial feature content". Given the small attention span of users to convince them of a product and the risk of a high rate of disappointment caused by unsuitable maps this approach of one for all has to be scrutinized. The interface and interaction of the map needs to be user-centered and "intelligent technology" that increases usability has to be implemented.To user-center maps we suggest personalizing them by adapting them to the needs and preferences of individual users. By personalization we understand the adaptation of content, functions, appearance, technology in use, or information demand to individual users. This could for example mean to change the color scheme according to the cultural background of the user, or to change the presentation or points of interest according to the season (winter landscape and places for ice skating versus summer landscape and places for fishing). Also recommendations on the basis of interaction with the map are possible. People who frequently request information about cultural events and therefore click on respective symbols might be interested in special offers. A lot of commercial websites and applications are personalized already, but in practice only a few maps use very simple approaches of personalization. Google Maps is an example for a map that uses "localization", which is the adaptation to the region, where the map is used. This ad...
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