How to test Maps or GIS

Hari Mahesh

QA Resources

Maps or GIS (Geographic Information Systems) have become an integral part of current websites and applications. Previously, we used to provide addresses, which got replaced by showing the exact location on maps. If we take any industry, everyone has got maps integrated into their applications. Since maps are such an integral part of the application, it is mandatory to test the maps thoroughly.

So here we will discuss why we need to test maps and how we can achieve that effectively.

Why should we test Maps?

Testing maps or GIS is important as they have become a major part of all applications. Every retail website or food delivery website relies on GIS. So, it is mandatory to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the map to deliver a seamless experience to the users. There are a few key features of GIS that we need to consider like:

Localization and mapping: For the proper functioning of GIS, the accuracy of geographic mapping is very crucial. A few things are specific to the app, like localization functionalities, and also a few things that are specific to maps, like traditional maps, 3D maps, and augmented reality maps, so all these need to be taken into consideration.
Complexity: GIS or maps need to be tested across different platforms and browsers, making the whole process more complex. This must be performed to ensure a flawless user experience regardless of the browser or hardware used.
Search Capabilities: Most of the GIS apps enable location-based searches so that users can define their own filters or location-based searches. So it is necessary for those results to be accurate and should be updated based on the location.

Maps displayed in the application involve many features like changing the locations, zooming in and out, etc. So, if not appropriately tested, it can create usability issues, inaccurate locations, or even security vulnerabilities. So comprehensive testing helps identify and rectify the issue, ensuring the users are presented with accurate information without any security concerns, thereby enhancing the overall quality and trustworthiness of the application.

How to test Maps or GIS?

Before we get into how to test GIS/maps, we need to cover what features we should prioritize for testing. They are:

Ability to change location, sometimes at runtime
Ability to drag something on the map
Ability to zoom in and zoom out
Ability to select elements and validate texts

Now, let’s go through each one in detail.

Ability to Change Location

Runtime Location Change: Using this feature, the testers can change the map’s location dynamically while using the application. This helps to simulate different geographic scenarios and verify how the application responds to location changes.
Geographic Coordinates: Testers should be able to input specific geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) to set the map’s location accurately.
Search and Address Input: The option to search for a location by entering an address or a point of interest should exist, making it user-friendly for end-users who might not be familiar with coordinates.
Current Location Simulation: Simulating the device’s GPS location is crucial for testing location-based features, such as finding nearby places or providing directions.
Error Handling: The testing tool should handle and report errors gracefully if the provided location is invalid or if there are issues with the location services.

Ability to Drag Something on the Map

Drag-and-Drop Interaction: Testers should be able to simulate user interactions by dragging elements (e.g., markers, pins, or objects) across the map. This feature helps verify the responsiveness and accuracy of map interactions.

Precise Control: The testing tool should provide precise control over dragging, allowing testers to specify starting and ending points and verifying that the dragged element lands where intended.
Feedback and Validation: Testers should receive feedback or validation regarding the successful completion of the drag operation, ensuring that elements are correctly positioned after dragging.
Multi-Touch Support: If the application supports multi-touch gestures, the testing tool should allow testers to perform multi-finger drags, rotations, or zooms.
Performance Testing: Testing dragging interactions can help assess the application’s performance, particularly when handling complex maps with multiple draggable elements.

Ability to Zoom-In and Zoom-Out

Zoom Levels: Testers should be able to control the zoom level of the map, both in and out. This is crucial for verifying that the application displays map details effectively at different zoom levels.
Zoom Controls: The testing tool should provide options for zooming, such as buttons, sliders, or pinch-to-zoom gestures, depending on how users interact with the map in the application.
Zoom Limits: Ensure the map has appropriate zoom limits to prevent over-zooming or under-zooming beyond the map’s available data.
Zoom Animation: Verify that zooming in and out is smooth and visually pleasing, without glitches or abrupt changes in map rendering.
Testing Map Layers: Zooming is essential for assessing the visibility and accuracy of map layers, such as satellite imagery, terrain data, or traffic information.

Ability to Select Elements and Validate Texts

Element Selection: Testers should be able to select map elements such as markers, pins, or polygons to interact with or validate their properties.
Text Validation: This feature enables testers to verify that textual information displayed on the map (e.g., labels, pop-up tooltips, or information windows) matches the expected content.
Attribute Validation: Testers can validate various attributes of selected map elements, such as their names, descriptions, or associated data.
Interaction Testing: Ensure user interactions, like clicking on map elements or selecting them, trigger the expected actions and responses.
Accessibility Testing: Validate that the map’s textual information is accessible to disabled users through screen readers or other assistive technologies.
Localization Testing: Verify that textual content on the map is correctly localized and adapts to different languages or regions if applicable.

Using Automation Tools for Testing Maps

We can also use automation to test the functioning of maps. There are many tools like Selenium, Cypress, etc., which can be used for automating the map scenarios. However, there are many limitations to using these tools. Many functions cannot be automated, like zoom functions, etc. Also, using these tools creates a lot of maintenance effort and also. Read here the 11 reasons why not to use Selenium.

testRigor holds its position one step ahead in this map-testing scenario.

testRigor

testRigor is a next-gen codeless automation tool with integrated AI. testRigor provides many features which can support the testing of maps. Let us look into those.

Geolocation testing: Using testRigor, we can effortlessly set any geolocation. We can just set the GPS co-ordinates in one step like this:
```
set geo location "40.7128,74.0060"
```
Zoom Controls: In native mobile testing (android/iOS), zoom can be applied using the pinch gesture. The zoom value is set to 50% by default, and it is applied from the center of the screen. It is possible to specify the screen or element from which the motion will depart, as well as an offset.
```
zoom in "20" % from the middle of the screen
zoom out "10" % from "element" with offset "10,10"
```

Drag and drop feature: testRigor supports drag and drop of elements. We can drag one single element, or we can drag multiple elements too.

drag "element1" to "element2"
drag "canvas1" with offset "0,0" to "canvas1" with offset "50,0" via "canvas1" with offset "0,50" through "canvas1" with offset "50,50"

Accessibility Testing: testRigor supports accessibility testing. Read how to build an ADA-compliant app.

The features mentioned above are with respect to testing the maps alone. Its no-code capabilities allow you to write your test in plain English, allowing everyone in your team to write and execute test cases. Its self-healing capabilities minimize the maintenance effort and save enormous time and effort for your team to build more robust test cases.

Find here testRigor’s top features.

Endnotes

Our day-to-day necessities are now moving to the tip of a finger. Anything and everything you need can be accessed via mobile. Maps play a vital role in this change. Be it our location or the business location, nowadays, we access it via maps. So, it is crucial to test maps and make sure there is no security vulnerability. Intelligent no-code tools like testRigor, which is powered by generative AI, help you to achieve this effortlessly in plain English with its supportive commands for map testing.