Top reasons why interactive Flash maps are better than old image maps

Top reasons why interactive Flash maps are better than old image maps

Before anyone can dive into the intricacies of why interactive flash maps are much better than old image maps, one should first have a clear understanding of why they’re using maps in the first place. In its simplest, most basic form, the main purpose of an image map could either be a tool to show directions to a certain geographical location just like a traditional map would, or it could be used to highlight a specific point of interest that the business would want visitors and potential customers to focus on.

In this new age of digital connectivity between a user and a website, interactivity is definitely a major factor that can spell the success of failure of that particular website. Sites which have nothing but some old low-resolution graphics or image maps as their sole eye candies are slowly being driven out of web rankings and into oblivion. Highly interactive flash maps with clickable navigation and a whole chest full of added features (that no old image maps could ever accomplish) can provide your website with a highly effective online presentation of your establishment, store, products or services and draw in the most important element in any business -- paying customers!

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Out with the Old
There was a time when the only guide potential customers can use to help them locate your store or business is a short strip of text describing your brick and mortar address. Then somebody thought of adding more visual features and scanned creased paper maps or product images which barely highlight where and what the product or business really is. As webmasters became more creative, image maps were soon developed as jpeg or gif images, which were later improved with HTML or Java Scripts to make it more “clickable” and interactive.

The problem is jpeg and html is limited and restricted and could only do so much as linking portions of the image map to another URL or page. Interactivity as well as visual features are limited and to some extent it would not be appealing to visitors. But what if the potential client is coming from a location that is much farther away and is not familiar with the vicinity? What if you’re inviting them to your specific spot in a maze of offices or marketing your booth in a trade show joined in by hundreds of other presenters and businesses? What would be needed is the whole range of interactive features that flash maps could provide.

In with the New
Digital web imagery has gone a long way and with the advent of interactive flash maps web browsing has never been the same. These maps can provide a better navigational tool for users, giving their visit a fully interactive element that they would enjoy. Aside from the clickable functionality, these maps can provide smoother animation, amazing transition effects, mouse-over tool tips, hint boxes, text boxes, a dynamic display of landmarks, icons, routes and a whole lot more of useful features that users can use.

Interactive flash maps can be customized to increase navigational functionality so users can know exactly where to find your store, office or branch as well as highlight routes and landmarks for fast and easy reference -- a virtual locator that would make it easier for potential clients to find your business. The interactive flash map can also be incorporated with a search tool so that off-state customers can find a branch or an office that would be near them as easy as clicking a button.

Not only that, users can use any image which can be embedded with interactive flash imagery to highlight specific focus areas relevant to your product or service. Such tools can be used to more effectively present the main feature of a product with interactive effects, or it can be used as a customized directional tool to tell clients exactly where your office or trade show booth is.

The search functionality can also be used in the real estate business selling properties: houses, buildings or land. A map can be generated for each property you are selling and a simple search query can initiate that map, showing potential clients the directions on how to go there. Other functionalities can showcase additional info about the property, as well as information on landmarks and other establishments in the vicinity of the property. These same functionalities can also be applied by businesses related to the tourism or hospitality field.

The Future of Interactive Flash Maps

The multi-faceted and highly interactive features of flash maps make them a more preferred element in websites in need of such maps that using traditional static image maps. Developments in these technologies can bring this a notch higher, particularly in providing 3D views to certain elements in the map. With 3D features, not only can one locate the exact location of an establishment they are looking for, but an interactive 3D image of the establishment itself can even be provided. This would be a whole new level of interactivity that visitors to a site would surely love.