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Enrich Your Website Using Image Maps: Create Flash Anatomy Chart, Interactive Flowchart Easily

By Ko Fai Godfrey Ko

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 28Sep2010 Word count: 554 Viewed: 439 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

An image map is usually picture that is taken by a camera or created via image editor that is 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 effects, 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.

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.

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