N A V I G A T I O N  I N T E R F A C E

Research:

Over the break I did some research on different map interfaces and what makes them effective and what the negatives and positives are of using that certain interface.

T R A N S P O R T  M A P
This map is primarily used by transport provides such as metlink and GO bus services to expressively show different routes which they provide transportation too. They will generally have a start point which is primarily a depot with a finish point where the route ends. The map detains itself is very brief so it does not give much information out the mapping or surrounds, therefore this type of mapping will not be sufficient for our project as detain is insufficient and wont give enough information for new people to get from anywhere to a room in Kelburn.

C I T Y  M A P
Much like the transport the city map lacks detail and only express mainstream streets where there are attractions and tourist like features. City map is zoomed into one part of the city and only expresses that. Color coding helps with expressing the key although I don't think this type of mapping will be effective as it lacks detail an only focus on one aspect of the landscape.


S T R E E T  V I E W
Street view is a new way to view maps as it gives an effective direction as it is in the perspective of the viewer, therefore it shows more defined and definitive direction as the viewer can compare his/her perspective to the one shown on the digital device expressing the street view. This could be an effective interface for this project as street views are accessible and effective.

T O P O G R A P H I C A L  M A P
Topographical maps are generally used to gather geographic information as it displays detains such as density, hills and land area. This map interface will not be effective for me as it expresses no street detail only geographic.

P E R S P E C T I V E  M A P
Perspective maps are effective although only from the perspective you see it in, as detail can be lost due to other building in the way. For some this view can be hard to follow if they are not familiar with the surroundings. This could be an option for my interface although I think simplicity is key

S A T E L L I T E  M A P
Imagery taken from millions of kilometers away effectively display everything in birds eye view, effective as it expresses everything in real form and not fake drawn up. Once zoomed in it can be easy to follow by streets. The S A T E L L I T E  M A P  W I T H  S T R E E T S is most effective as it displays street names and relevant information about the surroundings of your location as you view it which makes it easy to follow, especially on interfaces such as the Maps iPhone app which also displays your current location on real time so its even easier to follow. This type of mapping could be effective for this project as it easily to follow, especially when it provide real time location services.

F L O O R  P L A N  M A P
I think this interface of mapping is ineffective with this project as it will get very complicated trying to follow a full floor map of wellington city, would be very hectic!


From my research I have concluded that the three most effective maping interfaces which will be most appropriate for this project are:

S T R E E T  V I E W:

I think the street view is effective as the viewer can view in real time where they are traveling and the path which they must follow to get to their destination. This could work well for my project if I can figure out an effective was to express it such as contact lenses or something creative like that.

S A T E L L I T E  M A P:

I find this interface effective and can see it working for my project as its easy to follow, only downside is that it isn't as aesthetically pleasing to view as a third mapping system.



From this research I hope to gain a good perspective on mapping and start to think about how I am going to express my mapping interface in my project.