Towards a typology of interactivity functions for visual map exploration

Abstract

Many interactivity functions exist in explorative map applications. This chapter provides a typology of these functions with the aim to contribute towards a standardization of the variety of interactive visualization tools. The typology contains 8 types and around 70 particular interactivity functions and is based on an evaluation of existing divisions and categorizations of interactions. The standardization implies a facilitation of both the concept of interfaces and the assessment of realized interfaces. Using the developed structure, two existing applications are evaluated showing the usefulness of the typology.