Top Five Uses for Flash Selection Maps

With the emergence of web technologies such as Flash and Ajax for use in web development, Internet visitors have become more savvy and accustomed to interactivity on the web. They like to see color changes and dynamic features when clicking and/or mousing over objects on a website. The era of the static website is over. These days interactivity is in!

Add user interaction to your website by using interactive flash maps.

Click on the Map above for a demo of the USA Flash Map

Popular items or components used for website navigation are geographic selection maps or flash maps. Flash maps allow users to select a geographic area to click through to a relevant web page or to drill down further getting a closer or more focused view of the area. A great example of interactive maps is Google’s Earth. You can zoom all the way down to street view. Google provides an API for integration with external websites. Integrating Google Maps in your website usually requires the help of an experience programmer with scripting and integration skills. The cost to integrate Google Maps can become price when you consider the programming costs required.

Another option is to use a simple flash map. For example a USA Flash Map will allow your visitor to click on a state, view details such as sales figures, sales reps, etc. and link through to a page specifically for that state. Additionally, some USA flash maps have a built-in drill-down feature that will drill into each state with county boundaries. Others allow you to place pinpoints or retail locations on the maps.

Most Flash Maps are built using Adobe Flash. However, when developed do not require the expertise of know Flash and action script. Most Flash Maps are controlled by an external text XML file or database. This allows individuals with no expertise in Flash or Action script to customize the map for easy use in presentations and websites.

There are many great uses for Flash Maps including:

Link to Retail Locations

Flash maps are sometimes used to identify or list retail locations based on region or state. Users can select a state or country to go to another web page or zoomed-in flash map for more detailed listings of retail locations or store fronts.

Sales Rep Maps

Flash maps can also be used to demonstrate sales representatives per region. For example, a pop-up text window with the appropriate sales representative contact information can be displayed on mouse-over.

Distributor Maps

Flash selection maps can be used to display a list of Distributors and their information. Distributors can be listed on a click-through page or through the use of a pop-up text box.

Educational Aide

Flash maps are a great learning tool. Geography students of all ages can use an interactive map to learn the geography of the United States and other countries around the globe.

Real Estate Maps

Possibly one of the most common uses for interactive flash maps is in real estate websites. Real estate agent sites and directories use flash maps on a regular basis for navigation through to show home sale listings by USA state and county.

There is no limit to the usefulness of a good flash map. Flash maps are used across all industries for many purposes. Should you find yourself in need of a map to help users navigate a website, consider using a flash map. With the options and ease of customization available, flash maps are great way to add interactivity and easy navigation to your site.