The legibility of type on the computer screen is already compromised by its low resolution. Avoid using background images if you do not have professional graphic design training or experience in constructing complex graphic communications the chances of making a functional or aesthetic error are high. Image maps have become features of most professionally designed web sites because they offer an effective combination of visual appeal and, when used properly, space-efficient functionality. Image maps are particularly effective when incorporated into moderately sized graphics at the top of home pages, or into the signature graphics or logos that define pages. 3.5.4.6 Animation Animation should be meaningful, not distracting.
Splash screens are a good place to use animation.
Animated images can provide the right amount of pizzazz to attract viewers into your site. Be sure to keep the file size modest. A lengthy download at the start of your site will lose all but the most committed users. The principles of legibility and readability apply particularly to maps. A low-resolution scanned image of a map is useless, whether trying to read it on screen or to print out.