Sitemap provides an overview of a web site that provides a listing of the pages in a web site. In other words, it is the visual representation of the structure and content of a website. Search Engine robots gain access to this page from every page of the website and in turn there is a link to every page of the site from the site map. This allows for a thorough indexing of the site.

A sitemap describes the structure of a website on a single page. User can have an overview of the whole site at one glance ,depicting the main categories asnd subcategories of a site. One of the best features about sitemap is its accuracy, easier to scan and  understand.

Text-based sitemaps  require fewer resources and are easier to maintain than graphical sitemaps because of the overheads involved. Larger and medium sized sites must include at least a sitemap. The most important thing to consider when planning for a sitemap is the kind of experience the user wants. Unless the site is a directory like Yahoo! etc, a sitemap is the only place for the user to have a look at the various categories and subcategories at a single place.

Sitemaps and site indexes are related to each other such that they provide the users a way to navigate a site, helping them to visualize and understand the basic layout and structure of the site. A sitemap helps a confused user to find the way. Sitemaps are more widely implemented than site indexes providing a high-level/top-down view of the site whereas site index are best for known item browsing and provides direct access to specific areas of the site

 Uses of Sitemap

1) They allow visitors to locate something specific i.e. help the users who are looking for a very specific piece of information on the site .

2) The sitemap give users a fast way to decide which information is of interest to them. i.e. providing meta-information

3) They help the search engines to index a website.

Building a good sitemap requires a lot of time, effort, patience and a good understanding regarding the scope of the website. The following points must be considered, when planning for a good sitemap.

1) Good idea of the content that the website will contain. 

2 )Search for the websites having similar content and have a look at their sitemap.

3) Plan for the list of possible categories and integrate and have the description of the various categories.

4) Work on the sitemap until satisfied and have the suggestions from the various users.

Thus, these steps help to make the task of building the sitemaps easier.

The only problem that may arise with sitemaps is  the amount of detail to be included. Very detailed or little information is the cause for the user’s confusion.