Using Web-Based 3-D Visualization for Planning Hikes Virtually An Evaluation

The use and usefulness of an interactive three-dimensional (3-D) desktop application is explored in the context of evidence that landform may be understood more intuitively through realistic 3-D visualization than in …

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Abstract

The use and usefulness of an interactive three-dimensional (3-D) desktop application is explored in the context of evidence that landform may be understood more intuitively through realistic 3-D visualization than in traditional maps. A Web-based digital environment that combines elevation models and photorealistic imagery with additional abstract information is tested for planning hikes in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Participants’ efforts in fulfilling standard hike planning tasks are recorded through questionnaires and interviews and subsequently analyzed. The 3-D visualization is preferred over the 2-D (two-dimensional) map for tasks associated with getting an overview, but participants requested more abstract information or additional 2-D maps for tasks involving extracting exact information. The application is more useful to those who spend a longer time using it. Problematically, participants underestimated the scale of the relief depicted. Additionally, their confidence in solving the tasks involving extracting exact information from the 3-D visualization was low, even when tasks were solved correctly. We conclude that there is scope for using 3-D visualization for effective hike planning among tech-savvy hikers, especially in combination with additional information or 2-D maps, but that this may involve some risk of underestimating the scale of the topography involved.

Figures

Monochrome reproduction of 3-D visualization used in the experiments. This example view includes a marked hiking route, place names, and height labels.

Three-dimensional visualization or map preferences subdivided by prior knowledge of the study region (graphic area per task = 100%).

Extraction of information. Spot heights were labeled in the 3-D visualization; the questionnaire contained four graphical height profiles that could be compared with the visualization.

Hike-planning tasks by the time spent answering the questions. A trend toward higher proportions of correct answers among participants spending more time with the 3-D visualization is shown. This trend is significant for finding the lowest point, the steepest section, the number of buildings, the woodland, and the intervisilibity. Participants who spent more time with the 3-D visualization also feel better prepared for the hike.

BibTeX

@inbook{bleisch_Web3DVisPlanningHikesVirtually_2009,
 abstract = {The use and usefulness of an interactive three-dimensional (3-D) desktop application is explored in the context of evidence that landform may be understood more intuitively through realistic 3-D visualization than in traditional maps. A Web-based digital environment that combines elevation models and photorealistic imagery with additional abstract information is tested for planning hikes in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Participants’ efforts in fulfilling standard hike planning tasks are recorded through questionnaires and interviews and subsequently analyzed. The 3-D visualization is preferred over the 2-D (two-dimensional) map for tasks associated with getting an overview, but participants requested more abstract information or additional 2-D maps for tasks involving extracting exact information. The application is more useful to those who spend a longer time using it. Problematically, participants underestimated the scale of the relief depicted. Additionally, their confidence in solving the tasks involving extracting exact information from the 3-D visualization was low, even when tasks were solved correctly. We conclude that there is scope for using 3-D visualization for effective hike planning among tech-savvy hikers, especially in combination with additional information or 2-D maps, but that this may involve some risk of underestimating the scale of the topography involved.},
 author = {Bleisch, Susanne and Dykes, Jason},
 booktitle = {},
 publisher = {Taylor & Francis Group, LLC},
 title = {Using {Web}-{Based} 3-{D} {Visualization} for {Planning} {Hikes} {Virtually} {An} {Evaluation}},
 year = {2009}
}