Frames of reference and electronic anchors: An investigation of map displays for helicopter flight

Maps are important for most forms of navigational flight. Yet for helicopter flight they are critical. Different map displays for Nap of the Earth (NOE) and Low Level helicopter flight were configured according to previous research on spatial cognition in large scale environments. Interest centered on representations of spatial knowledge that would best support helicopter navigational problem solving. Maps either rotated to show an ego frame of reference, or were fixed to portray a north-up, world frame of reference. Color and word 'anchors' were added to the periphery of the maps and were also projected on the windshield to facilitate attention switching between the outside environment and the map display. Twenty skilled pilots used the maps to complete several navigational tasks that occurred within a realistic simulation program tailored for helicopter navigation. Results were mixed. Distance estimation, wayfinding, and the orientation component of the target location score were generally facilitated by the fixed map, while reorienting from an unfamiliar location was facilitated by the rotating map. Color anchors facilitated wayfinding and target location, but degraded performance on distance estimation and orienting from an unfamiliar location. The results are interpreted according to three perspectives of navigational tasks and map displays: task complexity, map-environment consistency, and the correspondence between spatial knowledge and maps.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Harwood, Kelly

Contributors dc:contributor

• Wickens, Christopher D.

• Psychology, Experimental

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1989 Harwood, Kelly

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI9010876
(UMI)AAI9010876

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/21507