Overview
IMapW is web software that runs in a browser, such as Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox. The dual-panel design displays horizontally on wider screens (e.g., desktop PCs) and vertically on taller screens (e.g., smart phones).
IMapW is programmed using HTML, CSS, and core Javascript; i.e., no third-party libraries.
This approach has no vendor data/usage fees and thus can have a substantial cost advantage over maps based on the major map platforms (e.g., Apple, Bing, and Google).
Software
To reiterate, IMapW is programmed using HTML, CSS, and core Javascript; i.e., no third-party libraries.
The software has been developed and tested in strict mode ('use strict' declaration) and, otherwise, using best practices, such as eschewing deprecated functionality and never using eval().
IMapW uses map graphics in the form of bitmaps, such as .jpg and .png files. The default configuration requires a 3200x3200 pixel Detail Map and an 800x800 pixel Summary Map.
With minimal compression, this design yields a small "footprint" with a total file size of under 2 megabytes for the two map files, software, and built-in graphical elements. Adding optional pop-up content (e.g., photos, text captions, etc.) will increase this total somewhat but only to the extent that it is actually accessed by the individual user.
To discourage unauthorized use, the demos on this site run from an obfuscated version of the primary javascript component of the software code, imapw.js.
Uses
IMapW can be deployed for a map of just about any size. However, for any given map, IMapW can accommodate only a limited depth of detail.
For example, where a map must present full street-level detail, including building names, such as a college campus, IMapW can cover an area up to 1 mile by 1 mile. For a map that must present all streets such as a downtown area, IMapW can cover an area up to 2 miles by 2 miles.
To provide a more complete presentation of a given geographical area, maps with varying degrees of detail can be daisy-chained together via the
Notes
The map graphics can be developed and maintained in Adobe Illustrator or a similar vector graphics application. Many institutions already maintain such map graphics that they use in offering printable versions of their map in Acrobat PDF file format.
If your objective is to develop an interactive map app based on your own vision, IMapW is probably not a good model with which to start because (1) the source code we provide is only lightly commented; (2) for various reasons, the majority of the CSS (i.e., styles) is embedded in the javascript; and (3) while there are a few nifty wrinkles, most of the functionality is fairly routine. If you're a competent developer, you can probably better achieve your vision starting from scratch.
The source code is currently available for sale. If you are interested in learning more about purchasing IMapW, please contact us at: