Can dragging actions replace the need for pan buttons in a map?

Question

Can the mouse click and drag functionality on map interface (such as Google Maps) substitute the need for pan (<, >, ^, v) buttons?

pan zoom buttons courtesy of Google Maps

Note: I have revised this question to exclude discussion on zoom since double clicking only allows zooming in (refer to answer by Riche Design).

Riche Design · Answer 1 · 2012-10-30 05:03:59Z

up vote 1 down vote

I think most novice user audiences will require the interface. I still don't really know how to zoom out with click and drag.

answered Oct 30 '12 at 5:03

Riche Design
3304

	for instance, you click and drag up, that zooms in, and dragging down will zoom out. – PatomaS Oct 30 '12 at 5:09
	Is that not for panning up and down? – Riche Design Oct 31 '12 at 0:27
	the thing is mechanics are limited, and they where more limited time ago. I remember using this same technic to zoom in and out, but I can't remember where – PatomaS Oct 31 '12 at 2:19
	Thanks for your input, I agree with you. That leaves panning unanswered. – Question Overflow Oct 31 '12 at 4:06

PatomaS · Answer 2 · 2012-10-30 04:47:09Z

I'd say that they can substitute the action quite well, but not the need itself. Need is something you feel.

But since users may be already used to that mechanic, you will have to add a legend to the map/application telling how to use it.

2 Answers