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JavaScript

Frank Drebin
Frank Drebin
8,204 Points
Posted by Frank Drebin
Frank Drebin
8,204 Points

Do people still use image maps? Any better solutions?

Hello, I'm trying to make something similar to this demo

Ideally it would be responsive. I don't need the onclick function of the demo. I'd like it if the on hover function of the demo to be an onclick function, more suitable for touch devices. The links DO NOT need to go to a 'more info' page or modal window.

Should I jump in and figure out how to do this with image maps?

Or is there a modern way of doing this?

Any pointers in the right direction appreciated.

Cheers ;)

3 Answers

Jeremy Flaugher
Jeremy Flaugher
991 Points
Jeremy Flaugher
Jeremy Flaugher
991 Points

Hello, I have had to implement a map in layout map like the one in your demo link before. I too was thinking about creating a large image map, but found many online resources to get it done faster and easier. And let's face it, image maps were cool in the late 90's, and today they are just more a pain in the arse than anything.

I ended up using MapBox.com to create my map, and it turned out beautiful and full of features.

I hope this helps!

Frank Drebin
Frank Drebin
8,204 Points
Frank Drebin
Frank Drebin
8,204 Points

Thanks for the feedback Jeremy, I appreciate the response.

MapBox looks great for geographical styled maps, but I'm not so sure it will work for my situation, as I don't want to use a world map to display just the store map.

Paul Graham
Paul Graham
1,396 Points
Paul Graham
Paul Graham
1,396 Points

You can use them and despite heavy opposition, have found their way into recent HTML spec, so that means they will not be deprecated. They're bad for accessibility though and likely instead of reaching for an imagemap, you should reconsider your design.

Frank Drebin
Frank Drebin
8,204 Points
Frank Drebin
Frank Drebin
8,204 Points

Thanks for the feedback Paul, I'm trying to find other solutions. I guess I could have a static shopping mall map with a regular key/legend. I'll keep hunting for options before reverting to this tho! Thanks