Use of Computer-Generated Movie Maps to Improve Tactical Map Performance

摘要

Computer-generated, three-dimensional pictures provide a highly natural means of presenting map information. A sequence of computer views can be linked to provide a realistic tour, or computer movie map, of a specific locale. A prototype computer movie map was produced for the fictitious desert town of Dar-El-Mara. An experimental study, involving 45 participants, was conducted to examine: the comparative effectiveness of the computer movie map versus a conventional map in teaching the map user about Dar-El-Mara; and the effect of movie map display size on performance effectiveness. Results of the study clearly showed a substantial advantage in favor of the movie map medium. Major map performance skills were significantly enhanced compared to a baseline of conventional map performance. For example, with the movie map, errors in self-localization were reduced by factors of 6 to 30, error in spatial relations was reduced by more than half, and topographical knowledge was improved by 30%. It appeared that a large-screen projected TV display was marginally better than a small-screen TV monitor display, particularly for self-localization and topographical knowledge, but the effect was not great. The results suggest several immediate C3 applications of the computer map technology; these include: local familiarization, maneuver aiding, and command coordination.