The effects of web mapping applications on user satisfaction: an empirical study

Abstract

This chapter describes an empirical study to develop a dynamic usability framework for spatial domain applications. The framework consists of five interrelated abstraction levels, which are hypothesis, typology, variables, elements, and measures. Each abstraction level has provided the theoretical basis for the design and implementation of a usability test to investigate the effects of map interactive displays on user satisfaction across two types of commercial web mapping applications. Data collected were analysed to test the hypothesis whether web mapping applications exhibiting a higher degree of usability can be associated with greater measured user satisfaction. The findings are especially useful for designers of web mapping applications and can aid in the maintenance phases of web mapping interfaces.