Information
After many requests for this I have managed to find the time between paid web work to set up a demonstration to show how to have circular hot-spot areas on an image map.
It is not elegant and I would not recommend this for large image maps with many circular areas but it does use just CSS and can be used for smaller maps with just a few areas of interest.
With a little modification this method can be used for ovals and any irregular shape. This just requires that you slice the hot-spot area into horizontal strips.
Tested in IE6, IE7, Firefox, Opera and Safari (PC) and it should be ok in Mac browsers.
Copyright
You may use this method on your personal 'non-profit' web site without seeking my permission. A link back to CSSplay is always appreciated.
Commercial usage is also permitted without seeking approval, but I would ask that a donation is considered to support my work on CSSPlay.
If you are having problems integrating any of my demonstrations into your website then I now offer a service to fault find and correct any errors that you may have introduced. Please email me for more information.
Testimonial
"The 
web site uses
CSS play code for the site drop down menus.
This code works seamlessly in IE 6 & 7, and is an excellent solution to the Creative requirements of the site."
Damon Clark - Brandwidth
