What is Interactive Mapping? Interactive mapping is a visual display medium which allows graphing, mapping, and even conversion to PDF of any type of information. This technology is used by national government agencies, airlines, chambers of commerce, ski resorts, and countless corporations to make information accessible and interactive to whomever they present the information. Phone and credit card companies use interactive mapping to show billing information. Companies use it in reporting, forecasting, sales and marketing, and display retirement plan information to its employees, using Dashboard, PopChart, Optimap, and Highwire features for interactive and simple information presentation and utilization, even on a pocket PC. What can Interactive Mapping Do for You? Interactive mapping involves so much more that just maps. Dashboard, Popchart, Optimap, and Highwire provide interactive information in virtually any format: charts, graphs, pie charts, tables, etc. In addition to the examples given above, here are additional ways to use interactive mapping. Retail stores can track revenue, returns, and customer information across geographical demographics. Manufacturers can track processing times along the supply chain. Electric companies can track overall usage in geographic regions. The CIA World Factbook collects and presents geographical, population, and even cell phone usage across the world with interactive mapping. Airlines track cancellations, fares, purchases, flight loading, and seating. Land developers find geographical survey of longitudes and latitudes for cities anywhere in the United States. Businesses track receivables, payables, inventory, and sales. Companies break down sales reports according to product. Corporations publish stock reports. Marketing statistical personnel create charts and graphs, using functions. Doctors find cancer rates across the United States. Consumers track orders and receipts. Students view documents like the US Constitution, connecting to notes, comments, and references embedded in the text. Is Interactive Mapping Technology Compatible with Other Technology? Yes. Interactive mapping has found a way to work hand in hand with technologies companies already use. Interactive mapping is also adaptable to PDF. Some examples of technologies with which interactive mapping tools can interface include HTML, FLASH, EMF, WAR, and XML. Business, government, and educational reports and informational presentations are constantly being created and published with a variety of technologies and applications already available on the market. Documents created with the same applications can be teamed up with interactive mapping tools to create a simple display of information with which companies and consumers alike can interact. |
