The example link above does not use an <imagemap> but a <timeline>; updating project tags accordingly.

@ovasileva I think this would be a simple change inside Popups extension as area's do have the href attribute, so Popups could be updated to watch for hovers on them [1]
However, I should note imagemap's are not (and cannot be made) mobile friendly, so I wouldn't recommend giving editors more reasons to use them, personally.

[1]

$('area').on('mouseover',(ev)=> console.log('hovering', ev.target.getAttribute('href')))

Glad that you decided for consistency and a richer experience for users!

1. I think that there is enough existing imagemap content that will benefit greatly from this.
   • So even though that you say there's no mobile friendly future for this imagemap implementation the benefit will be noticeable!
2. Is there a mobile friendly way to create timelines, maps, organigrams for editors? Which one?
   • When you roll out the improvement of this issue, please ensure that change notes and related editing guidlines mention which content-type is recommended with what compatibility/pro/cons.