Remote Evaluation of the Execution of Spatial Analysis Tasks with Interactive Web Maps: A Functional and Quantitative Approach

The main aim of this paper is to measure the acceptability and effectiveness of three spatial analysis tools applied to functional map interfaces, by means of answering if the common web map user can make use of these tools and if this use is beneficial to a spatial task accomplishment. Also it was verified what user’s attributes influence the performance. To achieve this, a quantitative statistical analysis with a random user sample was held, with tests carried out remotely. Results showed that previous map experience and higher educational levels may influence positively the manipulation of the interface and that there is not a clear indication that the presence of the spatial analysis tools analysed had a positive influence on the tasks’ results. For the other side, users that choose to use these tools had significantly better performance than those who did not use them.