Memorial University DAI: An examination of the design and appropriate depiction of topographic information on instrument approach charts

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Document Description

Title	An examination of the design and appropriate depiction of topographic information on instrument approach charts
Author	Mercer, David John, 1965-
Description	Thesis (M.Sc.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1996. Geography
Date	1996
Pagination	xi, 161 leaves
Subject	Instrument landing systems--Charts, diagrams, etc.--Design; Aeronautical charts--Design; Eye--Movements; Map reading
Degree	M.Sc.
Degree Grantor	Memorial University of Newfoundland. Dept. of Geography
Discipline	Geography
Language	Eng
Notes	Bibliography: leaves 142-147
Abstract	Cartographers create maps to represent the spatial relationships of real world phenomena at a much reduced scale and in a limited amount of space. This restricts the amount of information that the cartographer can portray. One of the main objectives of the cartographer is to present the data in a way that maximizes the communicative properties of the map. -- The cockpit of a modem aircraft is a very complex place. The pilot has to contend with information from many different sources. This volume of information requires a high level of concentration in order to operate the aircraft safely. The same holds true for the navigational charts that are used on a routine basis. The pilot must be able to make quick decisions based on the information presented on the charts. If there is too much, or not enough information, the pilot's ability to make effective decisions may be hindered. Maps must be designed to make the task of extracting navigational information as simple and effective as possible. -- This research investigates the effects of cartographic generalization on the pilot's ability to extract information effectively from instrument approach charts. Although the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets standards for the construction of aeronautical charts, the standard for topography on an instrument approach chart is vague about the amount of information to be included. Twenty pilots were asked to perform two specific map-use tasks. While performing these tasks, subject's eye movements were recorded using the Stoelting Eyetracker/Pupilometer system. The dependent variables of number of fixations and duration of fixations were examined as well as subjective and objective measures of chart complexity. -- Data obtained through eye movement recording showed that topographic representation should be kept to a minimum. Certain tasks, however, utilize both aero-navigational and topographic information, hence, some topographic data is essential. A subjective evaluation of topographic information content also revealed that subjects derived some benefit from the presence of topographic data. These results corroborated the eye movement data by indicating that charts displaying a high level of topographic information contributed to inefficient data extraction and difficulty of use.
Type	Text
Resource Type	Electronic thesis or dissertation
Format	Image/jpeg; Application/pdf
Source	Paper copy kept in the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, Memorial University Libraries
Local Identifier	a1137949
Rights	The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission.
Collection	Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Scanning Status	Completed
PDF File	(13.66 MB) -- http://collections.mun.ca/PDFs/theses/DavidJohnMercer_65.pdf
CONTENTdm file name	29752.cpd