Map Animation

Map animation, in its simplest form, is the display of a series of static thematic maps sequentially to convey changes in a specific phenomenon. Geographers and cartographers use maps to display geographic information in an interesting way to show patterns of change in specific phenomena. This entry first presents a brief history of map animation and then examines the concept of visual variables used for animating maps. Map animation types are reviewed according to categories emphasizing change, location, or an attribute. Given the increasing use of computing technologies and the World Wide Web, online interactive map animations are highlighted.