Atlas der Schweiz: interaktiv 3D-Topografie und Statistikkarten

Web Atlases - Internet Atlas of Switzerland

Daniel Richard · 1999

The rapid development of Web cartography has produced numerous Internet atlases, yet their structural quality and graphic standards vary considerably. This chapter reviews the development and definition of Internet atlases and compares three Web mapping approaches: raster maps, vector maps, and GIS-based map servers. Raster maps can attain high graphic quality, but their files are often large; vector maps transfer faster and allow higher interactivity, but require plug-ins or Java applets. A case study of the Internet Atlas of Switzerland illustrates an original solution: a fixed six-frame interface with three navigation bars, a map window, and auxiliary windows for legends and text, built with raster maps and JavaScript menus. The atlas also includes a Java-based dynamic mapping tool that lets users select statistical data, a background map, and a diagram type to generate thematic maps. The chapter concludes that future Internet atlases should combine raster and vector technologies, exploit the strengths of each, and continue to evolve with faster Internet connections and new file formats.