Multidimensional Scaling Analysis of Terrain Features Relevant for Simulating Low-Altitude Flight

Abstract

Multidimensional scaling was used to identify the features of real–world terrain that are salient to pilots during low–altitude, high–speed flight. Subjects were ten United States Air Force and Air National Guard pilots experienced in low–altitude flight. The stimuli were 17 short (five–seconds duration) videotape segments depicting low–altitude, high–speed flight over a variety of real–world terrains. Pilots rated pairs of terrains with respect to similarity of terrain features relevant for visual low–altitude flight. Similarity ratings were submitted to a multidimensional scaling analysis using ALSCAL. A two–dimensional solution revealed dimensions corresponding to 1) the presence/absence of hills and ridges and 2) the presence/absence of large objects clustered into groups. Results suggest that designers of flight simulators should focus on representing hills and ridges, and large trees and buildings with high perceptual fidelity.