To identify the potential usability problems of Web mapping sites, four different sites were evaluated: Google Maps, MSN Maps & Directions, MapQuest, and Multimap. The experiment comprised a series of expert evaluations and user tests. During the expert evaluations, eight usability engineers and eight cartographers examined the Web mapping sites by paying attention to their features and functionality. Additionally, eight user tests were carried out by ordinary users in a usability laboratory. In all, 403 usability problems were identified during the trial and were grouped according to their severity. A qualitative description is given of these usability problems, many of which were related to search operations that the users performed at the Web mapping sites. There were also several problems relating to the user interface, map visualisation, and map tools. We suggest some design guidelines for Web mapping sites based on the problems we identified and close the paper with a discussion of the findings and some conclusions.

To identify the potential usability problems of Web mapping sites, four different sites were evaluated: Google Maps, MSN Maps & Directions, MapQuest, and Multimap. The experiment comprised a series of expert evaluations and user tests. During the expert evaluations, eight usability engineers and eight cartographers examined the Web mapping sites by paying attention to their features and functionality. Additionally, eight user tests were carried out by ordinary users in a usability laboratory. In all, 403 usability problems were identified during the trial and were grouped according to their severity. A qualitative description is given of these usability problems, many of which were related to search operations that the users performed at the Web mapping sites. There were also several problems relating to the user interface, map visualisation, and map tools. We suggest some design guidelines for Web mapping sites based on the problems we identified and close the paper with a discussion of the findings and some conclusions.

Abstract. This chapter examines the usability of topographic maps on mobile devices. To evaluate this usability, field tests in a national park were arranged with a group of test users as a part of the GiMoDig project 1 . The purpose of the evaluation was to identify preliminary design principles for maps on small displays, as well as the main benefits and obstacles in using topographic maps on mobile devices. As a result of the user test, the mobile contexts relevant for topographic mobile maps were identified. Regarding mobile map services, the most important context of use is currently the location of a user. However, several other contexts worthy of attention were: system, purpose of use, time, physical surroundings, navigational history, orientation, user, and cultural and social contexts. How some of these contexts were considered for the implementation of adaptive maps, is also described. As is normally seen in the iterative process of user-centred design, the implementations presented here will also be evaluated, and the experiences gained will be used in the second round of user-centred design cycle.

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