The good thing about image maps is that more visual effects can be applied to grab the eyeballs of customers, thereby driving more traffic to your website. Image maps are one of the best audio-visual stimulation elements for websites, which are basically pictures, including photos, maps, floor plans, charts, diagrams and the like that have single or multiple hotspots, which when clicked leads to more information.

The good thing about image maps is that more visual effects can be applied to grab the eyeballs of customers, thereby driving more traffic to your website. Image maps are one of the best audio-visual stimulation elements for websites, which are basically pictures, including photos, maps, floor plans, charts, diagrams and the like that have single or multiple hotspots, which when clicked leads to more information. For instance, if you are in the business of selling home furniture, perhaps you can put a large image of a beautiful home showroom on your web page. Clicking on the furniture items will take users to another page where they can view a collection of sofas for selection.

While it is definitely interesting to note the speed with which modern day websites are adapting to this concept, one should consider the evolution of this concept in order to truly admire the pioneers. It is interesting to note that in the earlier days of this concept, image maps were created using codes written in Javascript and HTML, where the hotspots were defined through x and y coordinates. Another method was to create the basic image map using a text editor like Notepad or text editor software like Dreamweaver etc and then coded through HTML coding. This was again very specialized and only possible if you were a master in web coding, which was not the case with most business persons.

In recent years image map software has been evolved, making the processing of creating website image map a lot easier. Simply import an image in GIF, PNG or JPG format through the image mapper, then attach parts of the image to different links, and even select from different custom region shape methods for mapping the hotspots. Those kinds of software support pop up tags on mouseover, previewing, as well as embed code to put the image maps on websites. Apart from that, by using animated icons provided by the mapping tools users can highlight the points of interest and pinpoint locations without any hassle.

While anatomical charts help students retain the maximum amount of knowledge and learn different parts of the body, brick and mortar stores can use the same technology to help shoppers get an overview of their showrooms. You can also use image mapping software to build interactive mind map, family tree diagram and photo tag your friends.

Easier creation of image maps is possible nowadays, thanks for the advanced techology. Whether you are an expert or novice users in the field of computer programming, you will be able to build a website image map in a matter of minutes.