The site map is a navigation device, which allows the representation of site structure to which it belongs and is constructed to provide, on a single display, an overview of top-down all the content, the users make use of it when the other navigation tools do not allow them to achieve the goal that brought them to consult the site.
As simple and secure utility, Sitemaps are eventually became the subject of much discussion since they are often seen as a remedy to serious mistakes in the planning stages. This is because normally the tools that allow users access to information contained in the site should always allow them to complete their task.

As a result of the information architecture properly planned and navigation mechanisms appropriate to exclude the presence of a sitemap, rendered useless fact, but just one of the peculiarities of the maps, or the ability to inspect all the information available at the same time is not emulated by other means of navigation, and thus constitutes one of the strongest arguments in favor of their use.

The "sight" that maps can therefore be their trump card, so as ever during their design is the principle Keep It Simple: their representation should be simple and straightforward, the user needs to make specific interactions To be eligible, and that terms used for representing various areas of the site must be consistent with its content.

For sure the Sitemaps are not a panacea and should not be an excuse not to tackle the most dangerous for the design of the structure and interface of the site, but can be an effective tool to assist the user in navigating the content.