# Methodology for Conceptual Navigational 3D Chart Assessment Based on Eye Tracking Measures
## 2 Materials and Methods  
### Procedure  
The study employed a multi-stage approach, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of 3D conceptual maps. The research process consisted of the following steps: initially, the study area was selected in the form of a cell from a 2D navigational map. The selection of a specific part of the map allowed for the uniform analysis and subsequent comparison of different types of maps. Based on the defined area, a 3D conceptual navigational map was developed. Subsequently, preliminary questionnaires and test scenarios were created to assess the readability and functionality of the developed maps. Before the main experiment, trial tests were conducted to evaluate the quality and usability of the research materials. The results of these tests were used to refine the scenarios and questionnaires. Based on the trial test results, corrections were made to the questionnaires and scenarios, leading to the development of their final versions. These finalised research materials were then used in the main experiment, during which participants were divided into groups testing 2D and 3D maps. The collected data were subjected to quantitative and qualitative analysis, which included indicators based on the generated heatmaps, eye-tracking measures such as fixations and saccades, and questionnaire results. The analysis of the results allowed for the formulation of general conclusions regarding the readability and functionality of navigational maps in three-dimensional space. Figure 3 provides a schematic representation of the stages of the research process.  
The study was conducted with the approval of the Bioethics Committee of the District Medical Chamber. All participants were thoroughly informed about the purpose and procedure of the study and subsequently provided informed consent to participate in the experiment. The research procedure lasted approximately 10 min on average and included the preparation and configuration of measurement equipment. In the initial stage, the eye tracker was calibrated, after which participants read the test instructions displayed on the computer screen. They then proceeded to the experimental task, which consisted of 20 scenarios. Depending on the assigned study group, the test was conducted using either 2D or 3D maps.  
Each scenario followed a specific format: the first slide displayed the task description along with the symbols they were expected to focus on. The next slide repeated the task description and displayed a map excerpt with a legend. The tester's task was to identify and click on the map symbol. After completing the test, testers filled out a questionnaire regarding the test scenarios. Figure 4 presents an example of a test question. The command is \"Find the north cardinal buoy on the next slide and click on it\". Below the command is a legend of the map symbols of the searched object: on the left side, there is a symbol of a buoy, and on the right side, there is a symbol of a cardinal mark north.  
In Figure 5, there is a map scenario for the command from Figure 4. As with Figure 4, the top of the slide shows the content of the task. To the right of the map is a legend of the map symbols of the searched object-buoy and cardinal mark north.  
Figure 4: Example of the first slide in the test scenario. Description in English: text row 1—Task 3: Find the north cardinal buoy on the next slide and click on it, text row 2—Map symbols representing the target object, text row 3—Pillar buoy, North cardinal mark.  
Figure 3: Flow chart of the research process.