Use of Computer-Generated Movie Maps to Improve Map Performance

Computer-generated, three dimensional pictures provide a highly natural means of presenting map information. A sequence of computer views can be linked to provide a realistic tour, or “computer movie map,” of a specific locale. A prototype computer movie map was produced for the fictitious desert town of Dar-El-Mara. An experimental study, involving 35 participants, was conducted to examine the comparative effectiveness of the computer movie map versus a conventional map in teaching the map user about Dar-El-Mara. The study showed that the computer movie map significantly improved map performance. This paper reviews the salient aspects of the study methodology, results, and implications.