ELECTRONIC MAP EVALUATION IN SIMULATED VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

This study examined the effects of planar versus perspective electroni c map displays during a simulated visual approach to landing. Thirty p ilots were divided into 3 groups of 10 and assigned to 1 of 3 display conditions: 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, or a 2-dimensional condition augmented with a ''wedge'' to provide a visual momentum between the d isplay view and that in the forward field of view. Each display condit ion was manipulated in terms of frame of reference, either rotating tr ack-up or fixed north-up, and assessments were made of the pilots' abi lity to maintain the flight path and awareness of surrounding terrain. For all display conditions the track-up format supported the best tra cking performance and also resulted in faster responses to some of the situation awareness tasks. The addition of a wedge onto the 2-dimensi onal display revealed a benefit in the form of improved lateral tracki ng with the north-up format. The results are discussed in terms of the costs and benefits associated with varying frame of reference and dim ensionality on tasks of local guidance and global situation awareness.