http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4613-1068
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ABSTRACT
Three-dimensional geovisualizations are currently pushed both by technological development and by the demands of experts in various applied areas. In the presented empirical study, we compared the features of real 3D (stereoscopic) versus pseudo 3D (monoscopic) geovisualizations in static and interactive digital elevation models. We tested 39 high-school students in their ability to identify the correct terrain profile from digital elevation models. Students’ performance was recorded and further analysed with respect to their spatial abilities, which were measured by a psychological mental rotation test and think aloud protocol. The results of the study indicated that the influence of the type of 3D visualization (monoscopic/stereoscopic) on the performance of the users is not clear, the level of navigational interactivity has significant influence on the usability of a particular 3D visualization, and finally no influences of the spatial abilities on the performance of the user within the 3D environment were identified.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank our test participants for their valuable time and two anonymous reviewers for their helpful and constructive comments.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notes
1 The Unity game engine has recently been frequently used for the development of serious games and other research applications, in addition to commercial games. For more details, see: https://unity3d.com/.