Map transition design

So I’ve been working away on the transition from the full scale map to a close up for each section. I previously posted with an idea of what we’d like the zoomed in section to appear like. Because this was based on the orignal full scale map I decided to begin working with this in Affects effects, creating a transition video which chris could then get flash to play between the two stages of map. By having the first frame of the video the same as the whole map and the last frame the same as the close up, we felt it was possible create relatively seamless links.

When I got to work doing the transtions I knew  I wanted an effect where we zoomed in and moved through the layers of the digital map. To emphasie this I added a virtual camera, made the layers 3D and had them pull apart in oppostie directions. I think this adds an extra dimension to the map (not just literally) and creates a space within this map that wasn’t there on first viewing. A space that inivtes the user in and tells them there is more to this than meets the eye.

I’m really pleased with how the transiton works and looks. I have tried to make each indivual area arrive differently depending on where it is on the on the map. Although this took a lot longer it adds extra depth and uniqueness to each area of town which will be further reflected with the artwork to go with them.

Below is a series of stills showing how the video progresses, as you can see from the last panel it is very close to the original mock up. In fact I actually prefer it as I feel the angle with the map going off into the distance adds a lot more depth to what would have been a flat image.