Splash Screens in Flash

Splash screens are essentially introductions. They are generally 1 screen that gives the map reader basics about the map before they are visually stunned by the map itself. Users generally have to click somewhere to leave the splash screen and view the actual map. Some can be more complicated and include sounds and such. I find splash screens make a more professional package -- they help set the theme of the map and give insight and instruction before the map itself. It can also be used as a tease.....

There are 2 ways to approach a splash screen.
1. A splash screen can be an extra frame at the beginning of your animation that holds non-map content. If your map begins on frame one, click on that frame and add a few extra frames (insert -> frames). I usually do a few extra frames so I can read and separate it from the rest of the timeline. (Note: if you have scripts that refer to frame numbers instead of frame labels, all of your links will be off if you add new frames at the beginning -- use variation instead).

In addition to your title, make sure you include some form of a button to allow the user to get to the map. If you put important info on the splash screen (info the user may want to see again), also allow the user to return to it on the main map pages. Check out some of the other maps from Wisconsin for ideas (at the bottom of the page). Remember that the aesthetic character and "feeling" of your map is conveyed in that initial splash screen so don't simply slap a title and your name on the stage. Use it to set the tone.

2. The other way to do it is to create a new scene (with a new blank stage and library). You then set up your splash screen as you like and use a button to script the opening of your "map" movie. It runs seamlessly and is an easy way to manage all your content. Most large Flash projects involve several scenes (helps especially when more than 1 person is working on the project).