Image Maps
In Content Management, image maps are used for the graphical depiction of folder contents or links. These objects are displayed using graphics instead of in their normal text form.
An image map contains link-sensitive areas that the user can click upon in order to open the object that is targeted.
The advantage of this is that facts that are presented graphically are often more intuitive and easier to take in than if presented as text. Image maps therefore help users to find information. The image map offers an optically attractive initial point of entry to a structure.
There is a suitable graphic for structuring the required contents.
An image map is a special collection renderer that can be assigned to folders.
The configuration of an image map includes the following parameters:
Parameters of an Image Map
|
Parameter |
Required |
Description |
|
Name |
Yes |
Name of image map |
|
Image Path |
Yes |
Specifies the graphic file including the path that is to be used for the image map. For example, /etc/graphics/imagemaps/image.jpg |
|
Tooltip |
No |
Quick info text that is displayed if a cursor is positioned over the image map for a short amount of time. |
|
Areas |
No |
List of the link-sensitive areas used for the image map. |
We recommend that you store graphics in a separate folder. This avoids the graphics that are used being accidentally deleted or moved by other users.
An image map normally consists of several link-sensitive areas. The configuration of these areas includes the following parameters:
Parameters of a Link-Sensitive Area
|
Parameter |
Required |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Name |
Yes |
Name of the area. |
|
Coordinates |
Yes |
x and y coordinates of the area, separated by commas. These are absolute specifications within the graphic used. |
|
Link |
Yes |
Link to a folder or file, or specification of a URL that is opened when you click on the area. |
|
Tooltip |
No |
Quick info text that is displayed if a cursor is positioned over the area for a short amount of time. |
|
Shape of Area |
Yes |
Specifies the geometric form of the area. There are the following types:
|
Various Geometric Shapes of the Areas
- You define a rectangle with the coordinates x1,y1,x2,y2 .
x1 = upper left corner, number of pixels from left y1 = upper left corner, number of pixels from top x2 = lower right corner, number of pixels from left y2 = lower right corner, number of pixels from top
- You define a circle with the coordinates x,y,r .
x = Center of circle, number of pixels from left y = Center of circle, number of pixels from top r = Radius of circle in pixels
- You define a polygon with the coordinates x1,y1,x2,y2, ...
x = Number of pixels of a corner from left y = Number of pixels of a corner from top
The maximum number of coordinates is not defined. A connection between the first and last pairs of coordinates defined is automatically generated in order to close the polygon.
We recommend that you use a custom program to define the necessary coordinates quickly and easily. You draw the area required and the program issues the coordinates in a file.
The display takes place in one of two ways depending on the type of reference objects in an image map.
Display Modes for Referenced Objects
| Referenced Objects | Display |
|---|---|
|
Folders |
In the same browser window |
|
Documents, internal, and external links |
In a new browser window |
The use of an image map is only suitable for a certain number of objects. If too many objects are displayed, the user no longer has a good overview of the information presented.
To define link-sensitive areas, choose Configuration → Content Management →User Interface( → Show Advanced Options) → Image Maps → Areas.
To define an image map, choose Content Management → User Interface ( → Show Advanced Options) → Image Maps → Image Map
See Creating and Integrating an Image Map for the steps you need to take to use an image map in Content Management.