Interactive and animated map use

Interactive and animated maps are rising in popularity among cartographers and novice map makers, surprising misrepresentations can surface with improper use of animation. Following the idea of Map fact, Map fiction blog I thought it might be nice to look at a scholarly article that talks about a very important element in maps, the legend. Nearly anyone who analyzes a map is forced to look at the legend for needed information. The importance of good a animated/interactive legend can make all the difference in the world. According to Menno-Jan Kraak, Rob Edsall, and Alan M. MacEachren at Pennsylvania State University "choices among them [legends] should be made with regard to the nature of the temporal data" (Menno-Jan Kraak, Rob Edsall, and Alan M. MacEachren, 2002). Too many map makers are creating interactive map legends that misrepresent the maps data. Take a look at the article link "interactive and animated legend use" at the top of the page. It provides a great deal of information regarding proper legend use and a test to help you determine if the choices you make best represent the data in your maps. I've also included a few interactive map sites to my links list that might provide further knowledge on the matter, check them out if you get a chance I think they are pretty cool. I have also found a cool article http://www-psych.stanford.edu/~bt/diagrams/papers/tversky_betrancourt.pdf that talks about the ability of maps to display animation and not violate the "Apprehension Principle" (Mireille Betrancourt, 2002).