Data Base Overlay in Electronic Map Design: Testing a Computational Model

Abstract

In two experiments, participants answered questions about two geographical-spatial data bases, displayed in different formats, and at different levels of clutter. One experiment examined aviation information (traffic weather, terrain), and the other examined information pertaining to a soldier's battlefield (troops, roads, rivers, and terrain). Data bases were presented in five contrasting formats: overlay, spatially separated at small resolution, spatially separated at large resolution, highlighted and with an interactive decluttering mode. Performance was evaluated in the context of the different information processing mechanisms that were challenged or supported by the different formats. The data revealed a linear effect of clutter on RT, a general benefit for highlighting, and a cost for interactive displays.

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