As some of you already know I’m specializing in GIS and an interest for maps and especially techniques for visualizing maps are present:)

In an article I read (Nivala: Usability evaluation of web mapping sites) they critique (as far as I remember) the way systems zoom. I don’t actually remember exactly where the inspiration came from, but I came to think on a standard magnifier, which many use as a tool for “zooming” on paper maps. So I decided to experiment on how this would “feel” like in a web map (or digital map). The idea was to extend the magnifier metaphor by shifting what is actually displayed within the magnification display (eg. changing the level of detail). As opposed to a paper map and a magnifier, where the information is static.

The result became to prototypes using Google Maps API. The goal was not to make a perfect implementation of this, but just to investigate, as rapidly as possible, the “feel” of this kind of zooming. I found that it was actually kind of pleasing to browse a map in this fashion. It is very fast – you get an instant zoom/more detail over the area of interest and you don’t loose the orientation as much (as the base map do not change), as for some. There are some problems associated with it, but I haven’t investigated the depressive side effects:)

Below is the two different prototypes, one centers the magnifier over the mouse, the other shifts it a bit down and to the right. Personally I find the latter to be most pleasing. Please do not demand to much of the prototypes – they are prototypes and do not tolerate bad behaviour:) And please share your comments, thoughts, ideas, critique in the comments field or mail me

Centered magnifier

Controls:

• Zoom (with magnifier): Single (rapid) left click.
• Show/hide magnifier: Single right click
• Otherwise standard Google Maps controls

Right shifted magnifier

Controls:

• Zoom: Mousewheel scroll recommended (standard Google Maps)
• Show/hide magnifier: Single rapid left click