The Differentiation of Point Symbols using Selected Visual Variables in the Mobile Augmented Reality System

Abstract

On the basis of initial studies devoted to a better understanding of how the public user (a pedestrian in the city) perceives cartographic symbols in the mobile augmented reality system, we present an attempt to determine the threshold values of differentiation for three visual variables. The variables of size, transparency, and focus were implemented into image point symbols representing five types of objects. The set of symbols was designed in accordance with the rules of cartographic design taking into consideration an analysis of 19 professional tourist works. The symbols were presented on the screen of a mobile device in a system imitating the augmented reality system against four different backgrounds: white, a wall, and two typical urban landscapes. The results of an internet survey conducted using a tablet at four locations in Poznan (Poland) allowed us to determine the following: threshold differentiation values for the analysed variables, indication of the dependence on the type of background displayed on the mobile device in augmented reality, and the advantage of using a combination of visual variables.