Exploring differences of visual attention in pedestrian navigation when using 2D maps and 3D geo-browsers

These results lend weight to previous findings that wayfinders do not necessarily perform better with increased realism.

“As measures of landmark and route knowledge, the foundations of cognitive spatial representations, these results lend weight to previous findings that that wayfinders do not necessarily perform better with increased realism (Hegarty et al., 2009; Liao et al., 2017; Plesa & Cartwright, 2008; Wilkening & Fabrikant, 2011).”

Too much visual information in navigation aids can unnecessarily increase decision times and memory load.

“Indeed, studies implementing more complex designs into navigation aids have suggested that too much visual information can unnecessarily increase decision times and memory load (Hegarty et al., 2009, 2012; Lei et al., 2016; Liao et al., 2017; Lokka & Çöltekin, 2019; Plesa & Cartwright, 2008).”

Users generally prefer fully realistic 3D visualizations because they provide a more naturalistic representation of the environment and are perceived as recognizable, efficient, intuitive, enjoyable, and fun.

“Additionally, users generally prefer fully realistic 3D visualizations, which is attributed to the fact that they provide a more naturalistic representation of the environment and are perceived as recognizable, efficient, intuitive, enjoyable, and fun (Hegarty et al., 2009; Liao et al., 2017; Lokka & Çöltekin, 2019; Oulasvirta et al., 2009; Plesa & Cartwright, 2008).”

A 2D base map with 3D landmark models provides a sound cartographic design choice for retaining the graphic characteristics of a task-relevant object and combining the benefits of both representation styles.

“Thus, the state of research into map landmark visualization indicates that a 2D base map with 3D landmark models provides a sound cartographic design choice for retaining the graphic characteristics of a task-relevant object (MacEachren, 2004, p. 259) and combining the benefits of both representation styles (Lei et al., 2016; Liao et al., 2017).”

Previous research shows that while participants prefer realistic 3D depictions, they do not always perform better with them.

“The navigation performance and visualization preference results align with previous research findings that while participants prefer realistic 3D depictions, they do not always perform better with them (Hegarty et al., 2009; Kray et al., 2003; Liao et al., 2017; Oulasvirta et al., 2009; Plesa & Cartwright, 2008).”

Adding more visual information to the preferred realistic visualization did not adversely affect navigation efficiency.

“it is reassuring that adding more visual information to the preferred realistic visualization did not adversely affect navigation efficiency, which was a risk highlighted in other studies (Dillemuth, 2005; Liao et al., 2017; Plesa & Cartwright, 2008).”