AGU Scientists Tech Talks - GeoWeb Usability

Google Tech Talks December 16, 2008 ABSTRACT TITLE: GeoWeb Usability Presented by: Richard Treves ABSTRACT: The appearance of Google Earth and the Google Maps API mark a step change in web mapping, they are good examples of the appearance of web 2.0. All kinds of web maps and visualizations can now be produced by users with little technical skill. However, there is a general lack of understanding amongst developers of GeoWeb resources of how to design an effective map using these new technologies which impacts directly on the experience of users accessing a GeoWeb project. These problems are not unexpected given the history of development of novel technologies in general and specifically the history of the web. We should be reflecting on this history in order to spread knowledge of how to develop effective and engaging materials for the GeoWeb.