Linking geographical facts with cartographic artifacts

The design of a paper atlas took into account how the various elements ¿ maps, diagrams, photographs, etc. - could be 'fused' to provide a harmonious and complete product. Paper atlases allowed users to explore geography through the use of cartographic artifacts alongside presentations of geographical facts. Now, we are presented with a myriad of Rich Media alternatives and interactive and online enhancements with atlases delivered through the Internet, and particularly the World Wide Web (WWW). It could be argued that cartographic publishers of online products may be guilty of planning to assault their potential users with a bombardment of geographical resources and tools. The combination of an efficient delivery mechanism, the Web; engaging information displays, New Media products; powerful tools for exploring geography, maps; online access to current geographical information, data resources available via Web-enabled repositories; and good interface and interaction practice, innovative maps and maprelated products; can provide a wonderful mechanism for data prospecting and information mining. Consequently, there is now much interest in ensuring that such packages are designed and built in a way that best exploits existing and evolving media, both delivery medium and access/usage medium. This chapter explores the elements of the design of contemporary New Media atlas products, and how designers need to focus on how best to deliver both geographical facts and cartographic artifacts so as to ensure the provision of an ¿exploitable¿ information resource.