411 Final Project

Fun times

Full screen version http://goo.gl/CedUm7

The Big List of Interactive Map Examples

(The link colors dont seem to show up, so the linked text is right under the map example title)

A map that uses option boxes to view different layers
Cambridge, MA Trees in Bloom in April

This map does a good job of showing the different areas of Cambridge, MA where different flowers are in bloom. It allows you to select type of tree and then displays the density of bloomage (a word?) for each tree for the month. I like it for two reasons, first because flower photography is one of my hobbies, and second because my dad is from Cambridge so I am familiar with the city.


A map that uses moving objects
The Battle of Chickamauga

This map is a good example of demonstrating the use of moving objects across the map. It comes complete with historical narration and action packed movie sequences. Really impressive work.

A map that uses amorphous objects

Scientists Warn of Rising Oceans From Polar Melt

This video showcases amorphous objects on a globe projection of Antarctica. I think that one of the more effective parts of this video is the globe projection because it gives the user a better sense of spatial awareness in understanding the relative sizes of the ice depletion as opposed to awkwardly using a polar conical projection. 

A map that uses a splash screen

A genetic atlas of human admixture history - UCL and Oxford

While you don't have to click through a introduction sequence, there is still a splash panel to click out of it. Regardless, this map does a great job of explaining the migration origins of various human populations from throughout the world. More impressively, the level of scientific detail used to explain the construction of the map is very fascinating, especially how they included the charts on the side to illustrate the relationships of the different population groups.

A map that uses a neat effect
NYC Solar Map

 Now this map is really neat because of its use of interactive geometry to provide user friendliness to an important topic of renewable energy. You can either select individual buildings or create a polygon area and the application will calculate the potential energy that can be generated and trees saved using solar power generation installed on rooftops. The map claims that it can also be viewed from a 3D perspective, however I haven't been able to "unlock" this feature.

A 3D Map
3D Maps Reveal a Lead-Laced Ocean - Science Mag

 

 This map and the accompanying video are cool because the designers effectively use 3D. In doing so, they are able to demonstrate the physics of ocean currents given the undersea topography. Most people think that the ocean is a flat barren expanse, but in reality it is incredibly rugged. By using a 3D perspective, the authors allow greater spatial awareness for the user to help illustrate their scientific findings.

Interesting Map
http://middle-earth.thehobbit.com/map

The title says it all. If only they had a version for the entirety of Middle Earth, and perhaps even Beleriand from the Silmarillion as well.