Methodical framework for developing interactive web maps based on the example of Struve Geodetic Arc UNESCO World Heritage Site

Abstract

Today, interactive maps are gaining popularity and are used by both specialists and ordinary users in various fields of science and technology. However, the development of the theoretical base of web cartography and the development of interactive maps lags significantly behind the practical component. Moreover, a systematization of the principles of user-centered design in the field of web mapping is necessary. The aim of this work is to create a methodical framework that can be universal for most interactive web map development projects. The creation of the framework is based on the established scheme of interactive web maps development, the ideas of user-oriented design, as well as on the personal experience of the authors in the development of interactive web maps. The methodical framework covers the following aspects: the need for interactivity of web maps, accessibility on various devices, the dimensional aspect of a map, data structuring, the choice of elements of interaction, the need of usage of third-party maps, multilinguality, the ability to upload user-generated content, the need to create animations, and the choice of the base software. The developed framework helps to form the determining part of the conception of an interactive web map, which is a fundamental step in the proposed process of a web map development. Moreover, the framework facilitates the process of creating interactive web maps and opens up new possibilities and development methods for specialists in web cartography. The authors, using the interactive web map dedicated to the World Heritage Site “Struve Geodetic Arc”, which was developed by them, as an example, clearly demonstrated the conceptual development process based on the methodical framework. The terminology is considered and a new definition of an interactive web map is given.