An image map makes particular areas of an image into links. Each area uses coordinates, a shape, a destination, and text for accessibility. Think about what the picture adds to the story, not just whether it looks nice on the screen.
What You Need to Know
Coordinate-based maps become tricky when the image is resized responsively. A simple text link list is often easier to maintain and use.
Pictures can make a page much easier to understand, but they are useful only when the file loads and the important meaning is also available as text.
Example: See It in Action
Take a look at this small piece of HTML. You can use it in a practice document and change the text to make it your own.
This is a short HTML fragment. To try it as a webpage, put it inside the body element of a complete HTML document.
<img src="images/campus-map.jpg" alt="Campus map" usemap="#campus-areas">
<map name="campus-areas">
<area shape="rect" coords="20,20,160,100" href="library.html" alt="Library">
<area shape="circle" coords="220,70,35" href="sports.html" alt="Sports hall">
</map>Let’s Understand the Example
- Map defines a set of clickable regions associated with an image.
- Area names one clickable region inside an image map.
- Src tells the browser where to find an image or other embedded resource.
- Alt supplies a text alternative for an image. Empty alt is appropriate for purely decorative images.
- Name is the key the browser normally sends when a form control is submitted.
- Href contains the destination of a link. A value starting with # points to an id on the same page.
An image appears only if its file path is correct. If it is informative, its alt text should share the same useful meaning; if it is decoration, empty alt text is often right.
What Should You See?
If the image file is available, the picture appears in the page. If not, the browser may show a broken image or fallback text. The example alt text is “Campus map”. Check that the text alternative fits the picture’s purpose.
Cover the picture and read the surrounding text aloud. If essential information has disappeared, add a useful text alternative or nearby explanation.
Try It Yourself
- Add ordinary text links beside the image map as an alternative.
- Save your changes, open or refresh the page, and compare the result with the original example.
- Tell a friend what your change did. If you are not sure, undo it, refresh the page, and compare.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Using empty alt on a clickable area so its destination is unclear.
- Never guess at an image description. Write alternative text that matches the picture and its purpose on this page.
Key Takeaways
- An image map makes particular areas of an image into links.
- Map defines a set of clickable regions associated with an image.
- Coordinate-based maps become tricky when the image is resized responsively. A simple text link list is often easier to maintain and use.