Authority deals with authorship and verification of information offered in the site. It ensures that information pertaining to authorship and sponsorship are both clearly noted, that contact addresses are up-to-date, and that information and experience presented can be verified.
Accuracy
Accuracy is probably the most important criterion in this evaluation. If the information is not accurate, then it is not useful. In order to assess the accuracy of the information provided, the evaluation examines the purpose of the site, methods employed, and sources cited. Obvious errors, such as typographical errors, are also noted.
Objectivity
Objectivity is used to evaluate the intended use of a site, such as a public service, and the amount of opinion versus factual material. It also takes into account the amount of advertising displayed on the site.
Currency
Currency is extremely important in a technologically advancing field such
as geography. This section addresses the age of the information provided
and how frequently it is updated. This is one of the most important sections
in the evaluation criteria.
Coverage
Coverage assesses the completeness and appropriateness of the site. Completeness
is addressed in regard to the thoroughness of the data, the degree to
which the site is under construction, and citations of sources used. Appropriateness
is addressed by determining if the content presented in the site reflects
the purpose of the site as well as if it is appropriate for the intended
audience.
Data Download
The data download section deals with sites that offer data that can be
immediately downloaded from the site. Concerns include the presence of
metadata, data formats and conversions, download specifics, graphical
views, and printing abilities.
Map
Server
The map server section deals with sites with map servers available. The
most important questions in this section inquire about the interface,
instructions, symbology, and server tools available. Other considerations
include the presence of metadata, server speed, and printing abilities.
Analytical
Tools
The analytical tools section deals with sites offering tools for data
analysis. This section evaluates the interface, symbology, number of tools
available, availability of metadata, and instructions to determine the
ease of information extraction. In addition, processing speed and printing
abilities are considered.
Load
Time
Load time evaluates the speed at which the site loads, including all images
and animations. The presence of a skip feature for Flash animation is
also evaluated.
Appearance
Appearance examines the aesthetics of the site. In particular, design,
layout, contrast, font, and graphics are targeted for evaluation. Also
evaluated are whether important page elements are eye catching and the
amount of vertical scrolling needed to view the main page. This section
is very important in the sense that nobody wants to use a poorly laid
out site that's cluttered, confusing, and hard on the eyes.
Structure
and Navigation
Structure and navigation examines the framework of each site to determine
how well it functions. The navigation structure in particular is evaluated
for clarity, ease of use, and completeness. Organization of the site is
also addressed. In general, a well-planned site will yield high scores.
Content
Content assesses the adequacy of the information and data presented and
its ease of use. Information and data should be sufficient for the intended
audience and free of typographical errors. In addition, the site should
be set up in an easy to scan format with a search function for sites with
large amounts of information.
Usability
Usability focuses on the functionality of the site and any software requirements.
Sites are viewed using several different platforms and browsers to ensure
complete compatibility and proper display at the most common resolution.
Any lack of compatibility should be noted on the site. Also, each component
of the site is tested to ensure that it works properly.