Final answer:
When creating an image map for an irregularly shaped image, defining the shape and coordinates of the area and assigning a URL or action to it are effective steps. Including alt text is also important for accessibility and SEO.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effective steps when creating an image map for an irregularly shaped portion of an image involve:
- Defining the shape and coordinates of the area. This requires pinpointing the exact position and boundaries of the designated area within the image, which can be irregular. Coordinates are crucial as they dictate the hotspot's location on the image map.
- Assigning a URL or action to the area. Each area within an image map can be linked to a different destination or programmed to trigger specific actions when clicked by a user.
It is also considered best practice to add alt text to each clickable area, providing a textual representation for better accessibility and SEO. Adjusting the brightness and contrast is a matter of aesthetics and clarity and does not directly contribute to the functionality of the image map itself.