In this article the author follows progressive evolution in web design that has been observed in Google Maps over the last 13 years (2005–2018). The analysis includes the graphic presentation of buttons, their layout and the changes in the functionality of the website. The results of the analysis corroborate the argument that it is possible to adapt the existing concept of progressive evolution, to the needs of Internet cartography. In the process of the analysis several crucial changes were spotted, such as the fact that as a result of the technological advancement the need to scroll the map with up, down, left and down buttons disappeared, being supplanted by the dragging function. In article all the discussed changes in Google Maps as an application for desktop computers and laptops, as well as a mobile application, prove that the product has been constantly improved. In the author’s opinion, the crucial aspect is to enrich the web map in the non-invasive way to make it as user-friendly and easy to use as possible. The synthetic juxtaposition allowed one to highlight the evolution, considered by the author an important feature of the non-invasive way of introducing changes. The author notes that progressive evolution on Google Maps and other internet maps will continue. It is important that the user’s needs are noticed during these changes.

The graphical user interface (GUI) and the functionality of various global map services in the context of responsive web design were compared in the article. The analysis included: the number and arrangement of buttons on the start screen, available map layers, waypoints and means of transport for searched routes on four screens of various sizes: the desktop computer, laptop, tablet, and smartphone screen. Having compared the interface and the functionality of eight global map services (Baidu Maps, Google Maps, HereWeGo, Bing Maps, Open Street Map, Map Quest, 2Gis, Yandex Maps), authors draw conclusions concerning responsive web design. Despite the fact that specific map services differ, there are some common features making a good example of the adaptation of the graphical user interface to the device on which the map is presented. Global map services, regardless of the display size, use the same interactive tools that are graphically similar. Among those graphic similarities, one can distinguish two or three graphical styles representing a single function. Two versions of the interface can be observed – the desktop and mobile type. Adaptation to devices such as laptops or tablets assumes that only the screen decreases but the interface and the functionality remains relatively unchanged. Real responsiveness occurs only when service is displayed on a smartphone display.

In the following paper, geovisualisation will be applied to one spatial phenomenon and understood as a process of creating complementary visualisations: static two-dimensional, surface three-dimensional, and interactive. The central challenge that the researchers faced was to find a method of presenting the phenomenon in a multi- faceted way. The main objective of the four-stage study was to show the capacity of the contemporary software for presenting geographical space from various perspectives while maintaining the standards of cartographic presentation and making sure that the form remains attractive for the user. The correctness, effectiveness, and usefulness of the proposed approach was analysed on the basis of a geovisualisation of natural aggregate extraction in the Gniezno district in the years 2005–2015. For each of the three visualisations, the researchers planned a different range of information, different forms of graphic and cartographic presentation, different use and function, but as far as possible the same accessible databases and the same free technologies. On the basis of the final publication, the researchers pointed out the advantages of the proposed work flow and the correctness of the detailed flowchart.