Image Map Creation
An
image map is usually picture that is taken by a camera or created
via image editor riddled with hotspots, clicking on each hotspot
will let web visitors see additional information in a pop up box
or link to other online destinations. Given that visual appeal is
the key factor for a client to stay on your website long enough
to view the products or service, it is hardly surprising that web
designers are more inclined to add stunning flash animation effect,
photo slideshows and even video clips to create a desire to make
a purchase.
The good thing about image maps is that more visual effects can
be applied to grab the eyeballs of customers, thereby driving more
traffic to your website. Image maps are one of the best audio-visual
stimulation elements for websites, which are basically pictures,
including photos, maps, floor plans, charts, diagrams and the like
that have single or multiple hotspots, which when clicked leads
to more information. For instance, if you are in the business of
selling home furniture, perhaps you can put a large image of a beautiful
home showroom on your web page. By rolling over the furniture
items, such as the sofa, users will be taken to another page where
they can view a collection of sofas for selection.
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While it is definitely interesting to note the
speed with which modern day websites are adapting to this concept,
one should consider the evolution of this concept in order to truly
admire the pioneers. It is interesting to note that in the earlier
days of this concept, image maps were created using codes written
in Javascript and HTML, where the hotspots were defined through
x and y coordinates. Another method was to create the basic image
map using a text editor like Notepad or text editor software like
Dreamweaver etc and then coded through HTML coding. This was again
very specialized and only possible if you were a master in web coding,
which was not the case with most business persons.
In recent years image map software has been evolved, making the
processing of creating website image map a lot easier. Simply import
an image in GIF, PNG or JPG format through the image mapper, then
attach parts of the image to different links, and even select from
different custom region shape methods for mapping the hotspots.
Those kinds of software support pop up tags on mouseover, previewing,
as well as embed code to put the image maps on websites. Apart
from that, by using animated
icons provided by the mapping tools users can highlight the
points of interest and pinpoint locations without any hassle.
While anatomical
charts help students retain the maximum amount of knowledge and learn
different parts of the body, brick and mortar stores can use the same
technology to help shoppers get an overview of their showrooms. You can
even use this kind of maps to create interactive
mind map, family
tree chart and opt for automatic photo
tagging to display name of each person on rollover.
The advanced technology available nowadays enables everyone to
create image maps in an easier way. Whether you are an expert or
novice users in the field of computer programming, you will be able
to build a website image map in a matter of minutes.
Related articles in Wikihow:
How to create an interactive map using iMapBuilder
How to create a multi-language site using A4Desk
How to sell music from your website using A4Desk Flash Music Player
How to create video player using A4Desk Flash Video Player
How to create thumbnail gallery using A4Desk Flash Photo Gallery
How to create Flash TV commercial
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