What is a web map?

Web maps are dynamic, interactive maps that are hosted on the web and can be shared to others via a link. Web maps are ubiquitous in our everyday: for example, you likely use a web map on your phone to navigate around the city, track an online order, ride, or bus, and check the weather forecast near you.

Web maps differ from digital maps, which are simply static maps derived from a computer and produced/published/stored in a digital format (such as an image or PDF). (The term “born digital” is often used to describe these kind of maps.) Examples of digital maps include scans of historical maps, or maps embedded online as graphics.

In contrast, Web maps can be identified based on some key characteristics:

Dynamic scales and content Web maps are not static images. Different scales display varying levels of detail. For instance, zooming in may reveal information that wasn’t apparent before. For this reason, web maps are not designed for print.
Interactive Web maps are built to be interacted with by an end user, often in order for the user to explore a dataset and learn something. Take for example Climate Central’s Surging Seas Risk Zone Map. Or, listen to the radio anywhere in the world with radio.garden.
Display real-time data updates Web maps are useful for geovisualizing real-time data like weather. Check out a local transit enthusiast’s real-time map of Metro Vancouver buses, made with Leaflet, or watch the wind blow across the country on Ventusky.
Often rely on web and mobile technology For example, Google Maps’ navigation algorithm that helps you find directions or search for coffee shops around town, or TransLink’s trip planner (which seems also to use Google’s routing algorithm). For app builders, web maps might provide a method for routing to locations using a mobile device’s geolocation features.

Examples of webmaps

The most basic reference web map is a basemap, contained in a viewbox with controls and an attribution at the bottom. Explore the interactive capabilities of each of the following examples. reference and thematic. focus on reference here. show 3 different platform - workflow options. and range of things possible.

OR, PUT EXAMPLES OF MAPS WE WILL CREATE HERE.

plain basemap.

single point/marker

or single data layer.

show with each platform. discuss advantages/disadvantes briefly or when we get into it.

oh, there’s also AGOL….. ? different day when we do storymaps? Mention narrative mapping will be another day.

why make webmaps?

SHOW EXAMPLES OF WEBMAPS in digital humanities projects!!!! AND DESCRIBE WHY THEY ARE HELPFUL VISUALIZATIONS (Alex)