Digital maps are becoming common because of their applicability. Many people will prefer to use a digital map when travelling than asking for directions. However, sometimes digital maps can be misleading especially if they head to nowhere.
Some routes that the digital maps use, do not exist. Some of them are not updated and use the older versions of the existing maps. All this happens because of some avoidable errors that happen during the creation process.
Certain principles apply in the making of digital maps so that they result to effective outcomes. Following the principles closely will lead success in the creation of the maps. Some of the mistakes you need to avoid by all costs are in the section below.
Mistakes to avoid during the creation of digital maps
Mixing symbols
Symbols are very important features when it comes to using digital maps. Some of the symbols are those that indicate where specific and permanent landmarks are located. A good creator must ensure that all the features are properly represented using the proper symbols.
The bus station and a train station must be clear so that travelers do not experience minor challenges. A good map must also use permanent landmarks and if it is one that gets frequent updates, it has to capture the current features and remove them immediately they cease to exist.
Clear routing
The router is another thing that a good digital map creator must check on. it is common to follow a longer route when using maps while there is a shorter one because the creator did not capture the route. You need to ensure that you have good knowledge about a router before you include them in the map.
It is good to have routes that are clear such that you have to choose one that is friendly every time. Another important factor you need to consider is the number of routes heading to a specific destination. Make sure that you capture multiple routes so that you quickly get the ease of choosing what to use.
Router verification
This is a dangerous thing especially if you do not have verified routes. Before you put a route in the map you need to ensure that you have done verification. Some routes exist in maps but they do not exist on the ground and the reality.
Sometimes you can take a route thinking that it is a shortcut just to notice that it heads to someone’s residence. Most probably you will not find a route that goes through the residence. It is also possible to get a route that someone else has chosen to block it and establish something else on it.
Route verification is essential and will help to make the users follow accurate routes. It also improves the user’s ability to master the various routes before choosing one as they will deliver the best result.
Distance
Another important factor you need to closely look at is the distance accuracy. The distance between one point to another must be very accurate. You need to take caution about the contours and the land ruggedness.
It is not strange to have a distance that looks estimated. Such a distance will make you have difficult times because of the difficulty in managing movement on the specific route. You need to ensure that the map has the facts such as the rugged landscape and the specific features under land formation.
Choice of the making software
The making software is also very important as it will determine how effective the digital map will be. You need to ensure that you have the best experience with the mapping and use. Snazzy maps, mapbox and mapme are some of the best tools to use in making maps.
You need to ensure that the tools you choose to use are good and will meet your needs. They have to bring the actual outcome and the realia on the ground. Several factors such as dependability, ease of use and the quality of service are great determinant of the performance of the map in real time.
Fixing the compass
The compass has to be the way it is on the actual ground. It is not proper to have a compass that has errors. Some of the things you have to take caution with include the direction of the poles and the adjustability as a person moves.
You also need to ensure that the compass and the directions work together. It can be very challenging to have the compass not getting the accuracy that will make its applicability perfect. Each person who uses the digital map must be able to relate what is on the ground to whatever is on the map.
Having the directions that work with the distance is the best. A good one is that which can measure the actual distance and give you accurate feedback such as turning to the north in 10 seconds.
Customizing maps
It is simple to customize a digital map so that it meets your needs. You can choose to do so by selecting the specific area you want to cover and then pick the lead terms that meet it. The process is simple and has not technical competencies to fulfill.
However, there is a challenge that comes along with the optimization. You are likely to pick up an area that is not proper. You can also pick some features and leave some that are equally important. In such a case you will need to ensure that you have the accurate and useful information.
Compatibility
Are you making a map that will serve only you or many people? It has to be compatible with uses and devices. A good map will meet the needs of many other devices. You need to be careful that you get a map that will match the various locational devices.
You are likely to change devices from time to time. it makes no sense to have a map that you will use at specific instances. Compatibility starts from the design stage and means that you have to choose a compatible map maker.
You then need to ensure that you have got the proper software to do the whole process. Another thing you have to closely check is the settings. They have to provide various options for use by different users.
Conclusion
Digital maps are very effective in the digital world. They are easy to set and use because of their wide applications. Many people will prefer to use the maps because they make determining locations and movement easier.
The problem comes when you make mistakes when making the digital maps. Some of the mistakes we have highlighted are those that you can avoid at the design stage. Adhering to avoidance of mistakes will make you get the best maps.