Orientation Information on Spatial Displays

This research concerns the use of orientation information by periscope operators. As periscopes in submarines are integrated with image processing systems and graphics workstations, the spatial information concerning the direction of the view of the periscope becomes more difficult to obtain. Consequently, the orientation of the periscope must be graphically represented on the workstation display. The major objective of this research was to determine the best way of displaying this type of information. The research was also concerned with the use of mental rotation by subjects to process the information, as well as the mediating effects of sex differences and spatial ability on performance in this type of task. The experiment tested two display types, outside-in and inside-out, each at two levels of complexity. The subjects were instructed to answer questions concerning the compass headings of submarines and periscopes, and the position of a periscope relative to a submarine. Results showed that the outside-in orientation would be the most preferable type of display representation, with the simple format producing the best performance. The results also revealed that mental rotation-type curves were evident for some combinations of question and display-type and that there were no differences between men and women in this task.