Real Space and Cyberspace: A Comparison of Museum Maps and Electronic Publication Maps.
Paul Kahn, Krzysztof Lenk, Magdalena Kasman · 1997
It is well known that a floor plan helps the visitor explore the museum space and locate particular objects or collections of interest. This paper discusses models for creating maps to guide visitors through museum spaces, both real and electronic. We describe two examples of printed museum floor plans, comparing two- and three-dimensional depiction of architectural space, and illustrating varying approaches to the representation of architectural and collection details. Finding one's way in cyberspace is a more challenging task than moving through a physical structure. The content of electronic publications is typically seen one screen at a time and the overall scope remains invisible to the user. We illustrate how interactive timelines, tables of contents, virtual room plans as well as printed maps are used to guide users through CD ROM and Web site collections.