What is an image map in web design?

An image map in web design refers to an interactive feature that allows specific areas of an image to be clickable, each linking to different destinations, which are often called "hot spots." This allows for a more engaging user experience as it transforms a static image into an interactive element. The clickable regions can be defined using coordinates that specify the exact areas of the image that users can interact with.

This concept is widely used for navigation menus, illustrations, or any image that requires multiple actionable areas. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of an image map—graphical representations of user data, layout designs for web pages, and scripts used in web development are distinct concepts unrelated to the idea of interactive image areas. Thus, the correct answer clearly defines an image map's functionality in web design.