Some important points to remember when designing Image Maps
The image used as a map should be large enough so that the users’ cursor is not confined in a small place with lots of links.
It is recommended that the <MAP> tag along with its <AREA>s is placed at the end of the HTML document.
Use client-side maps unless most of your audience is using older browsers that support only server-side maps. There are many benefits in using the map on the client, especially performance.