A more extreme method of differentiating objects is applying 3D effects, or extru‑
sions, to single objects on the map. When this is applied to a 2D map, however, it is
important to remember that the map is no longer a “true” map since at least part
of the data has been arbitrarily removed from coordinate space. For example, an
overview map of a study area in southwestern Colorado might show Colorado and
the surrounding states but with the state of Colorado offset from the others in order
to emphasize it. It is an effective technique in that example because, even though
the extruded state of Colorado obscures the state(s) behind it, it still can provide a
reasonable overview of where the study area is. This technique can be effectively
employed in many media, including reference map graphics, report covers, and
icons. Additionally, Web map graphics can utilize the technique in order to empha‑
size certain clickable parts such that when a user hovers over a particular region,
the region “pops out” at the user to make it easier to click on. Obviously the use of
this technique results in strictly graphics‑type maps instead of analytical‑type maps
since they can obscure important data.