Acquiring Real World Spatial Sklls in a Virtual World
Abstract
In rehearsing specific missions soldiers frequently must learn about spaces to which they have no direct access. Virtual Environments (VF) representing those spaces can be constructed and used to rehearse the missions but how do we ensure their effectiveness? The US Army Research Institute was among the first to demonstrate that spatial knowledge acquired in a virtual model of a building transfened to the real world. While route knowledge was readily acquired in a VE configuration knowledge (distance and direction to locations not in the line-of-sight) was not Spatial learning in the VF was hampered not only by disorientation resulting from a narrow FOV and multiple collisions with walls. but also by participants inability to accurately estimate distances in VEs. Poor distance estimation in VE was linked to the reduced VE FOV and to verbal report procedures for making the estimates. Some improvement in distance estimates was obtained by adding auditory compensatory cues for distance and by using the non-visually locomotion technique for obtaining distance estimates. Armed with knowledge that some VE characteristics adversely affect distance estimation and configuration learning we conducted research to determine if unique capabilities of VEs could compensate for those characteristics. We developed the VE navigation training aids: local and global orientation cues. aerial views and division of the VE into distinctive themed quadrants. The aids were not provided when testing configuration knowledge. Training included a guided tour free exploration of the VE and searching for designated rooms. Configuration knowledge tests included a shortest route test a pointing task and a map construction task. An aerial view was the most effective navigation aid.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADP010782
Entities
People
- Bob G. Witmer
- Bruce W. Knerr
- Wallace J. Sadowski Jr.