Common metrics for web-based mapping applications in academic libraries

3 Purpose – This study aims to establish common metrics for web-based mapping applications to facilitate 4 user decision making and enhance information providers' product design. 5 Design/methodology/approach – The metrics were developed from a combination of literature review 6 and case studies. From the literature review, we identified three major areas of assessment for web-7 based mapping applications. We then studied six online applications to refine the metrics. 8 Findings – Our results suggest that web-based mapping applications can be evaluated from three major 9 aspects: data content, GIS functionality, and usability. We have developed detailed measures for each 10 factor through our evaluation of the six applications. 11 Practical implications – The metrics developed from this study could be used as a standard for online 12 spatial information users to choose appropriate products according to their needs. It can also provide 13 valuable information for data providers to improve their products. 14 Originality/value – To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has systematically examined 15 web-based mapping applications in academic libraries. Results from this study could be a valuable tool 16 for librarians as well as general information users without background of geographic information 17 systems and usability to evaluate online mapping resources.