The transfer of spatial knowledge from virtual to natural environments as a factor of map representation and exposure duration
By: by Quay B. Jones
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 250
Description: Terrain navigation is a critical skill in the military. Virtual environments (VEs) have been suggested as a possible tool in training spatial knowledge. However, little research has been conducted into the ability of VEs to impart spatial knowledge of a real world area. This thesis research addresses the utility of VEs to impart spatial knowledge of a natural terrain area compared to traditional methods. Twenty subjects were divided into four training conditions in two experiments. The first experiment had a VE and map only group and trained to a set standard rather than to a time. The second experiment also had a map only and VE group, but trained one hour with a low fidelity map (1:24, 000 scale as compared to 1:5,000 scale in earlier experiments). Measures were taken of landmark, route, and survey knowledge. The results suggest that, (1) subjects who trained to standard using a VE demonstrated superior route and landmark knowledge to any other group, (2) spatial ability plays a significant role in navigation performance, and (3) adjusting the fidelity of the map causes individuals to adjust their planned routes to the information that is provided. Furthermore, while good map reading does not guarantee success, poor map reading skills invite failure. Finally, if time is limited, a detailed ma is referable to other methods.
Notes: "September 1999".

Thesis advisor(s): Rudolph P. Darken, John S. Falby.

Thesis (M.S. in Computer Science) Naval Postgraduate School, September 1999.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 243-247).

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

Also available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat reader.

US Army (USA) author.

dk/dk cc:9116 01/25/00