272
Stefano Burigat and Luca Chittaro
Exploiting 3D graphics can add further possibilities of visual encoding, can significantly increase the quantity of data displayed on the same screen, and can take advantage of users’ natural spatial abilities. However, 3D approaches often suffer from
problems such as graphic occlusion and difficulties in comparing heights and sizes
of graphical objects. Moreover, designing interfaces for visualizing and manipulating 3D data on mobile devices is much more complex than in desktop applications
because of the limitations highlighted in Sect. 12.1.
One of the first investigations on using 3D graphics on mobile devices to support
user’s navigation has been carried out by Rakkolainen et al. [28] who proposed a
system combining a 2D map of a urban environment with a 3D representation of
what users see in the physical world (Fig. 12.9). By evaluating the system in the
field with a mockup implementation on a laptop computer rather than a PDA, they
found that 3D models help users to recognize landmarks and find routes in cities
more easily than using a 2D map only.
However, user evaluation of mobile 3D maps is still in its infancy and the first
results are not fully consistent. For example, Laakso et al. [25] reached different
conclusions with respect to Rakkolainen et al. and found that 3D maps were slower
to use both in initial orientation and in route finding compared to 2D maps. Their
evaluation concerned a system, called “TellMarisGuide,” that supports tourists when
they are visiting harbors by visualizing 3D maps of the environment along with more
classical 2D maps (Fig. 12.10). 3D maps are used to support navigation in a city and
route finding to POIs, such as city attractions or restaurants.
Fig. 12.9. Combining a 2D map of a urban environment with a 3D representation of what
users see in the physical world to support navigation [28]. Image courtesy Ismo Rakkolainen,
Tampere University of Technology, FI
Stefano Burigat and Luca Chittaro
Exploiting 3D graphics can add further possibilities of visual encoding, can significantly increase the quantity of data displayed on the same screen, and can take advantage of users’ natural spatial abilities. However, 3D approaches often suffer from
problems such as graphic occlusion and difficulties in comparing heights and sizes
of graphical objects. Moreover, designing interfaces for visualizing and manipulating 3D data on mobile devices is much more complex than in desktop applications
because of the limitations highlighted in Sect. 12.1.
One of the first investigations on using 3D graphics on mobile devices to support
user’s navigation has been carried out by Rakkolainen et al. [28] who proposed a
system combining a 2D map of a urban environment with a 3D representation of
what users see in the physical world (Fig. 12.9). By evaluating the system in the
field with a mockup implementation on a laptop computer rather than a PDA, they
found that 3D models help users to recognize landmarks and find routes in cities
more easily than using a 2D map only.
However, user evaluation of mobile 3D maps is still in its infancy and the first
results are not fully consistent. For example, Laakso et al. [25] reached different
conclusions with respect to Rakkolainen et al. and found that 3D maps were slower
to use both in initial orientation and in route finding compared to 2D maps. Their
evaluation concerned a system, called “TellMarisGuide,” that supports tourists when
they are visiting harbors by visualizing 3D maps of the environment along with more
classical 2D maps (Fig. 12.10). 3D maps are used to support navigation in a city and
route finding to POIs, such as city attractions or restaurants.
Fig. 12.9. Combining a 2D map of a urban environment with a 3D representation of what
users see in the physical world to support navigation [28]. Image courtesy Ismo Rakkolainen,
Tampere University of Technology, FI