The article defines the peculiarities of working with interactive maps in terms of formation and use of their legends. It is indicated that the legends of interactive maps are dynamic organic components, fully revealing not only the content of maps, but also functionalities for the common interface of cartographic products. The characteristics of the existing and perspective versions and types of ultimate and temporary legends of interactive maps are formulated based on the present stage of development of the theory, methodology, software and hardware of GIS mapping.
The theoretical and methodological base of creating the interactive map legends is the modern GIS mapping and its methods, principles, techniques and algorithms that ensure consistency and implementation of the requirements of design for interactive maps of different content and purpose, providing the features of the process of creating the interactive map legends in comparison with the conventional requirements to static cartographic works.
The practical use of interactive maps led to the possible types of interactive map legends that are defined not only by the subject and the number of displayed objects (phenomena, processes), the complexity of the concepts, but also functionality that reveals the content of index mapping. These types are finite and temporary legends.
The existing presentation versions of the legends for contemporary interactive maps helped to point out the features that determine the advantages and disadvantages of the use of such legends and relevant maps.
Further studies should be aiming the monitoring of interactive mapping in aspect of improving of their functionality and the presentation of legends..
Keywords: GIS mapping, interactive maps, ultimate map legends, temporary map legends, common interface, software and hardware.