Image Maps 

Use

 

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.

 

Prerequisites

 

There is a suitable graphic for structuring the required contents.

 

Features

 

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: ·        polygon: An area with multiple corners. ·        circle: An area in the shape of a circle. ·        rectangle: An area with four corners.

 

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

 

Constraints

 

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.

 

Activities

 

To define link-sensitive areas, choose Configuration ® Content Management ® User Interface ® Areas.

 

To define an image map, choose Content Management  ®  User Interface   ®  Image Maps.

 

See Creating and Integrating an Image Map for the steps you need to take to use an image map in Content Management.