Visual Momentum and Task Switching with 2D and 3D Displays of Geographic Terrain

Abstract

We were interested in determining if the visual momentum provided by gradual transition between two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) views of geographic terrain aided task switching. Twenty-two participants made judgments about the properties of two points placed on 2D or 3D displays of terrain. Participants performed the tasks in pairs of trials, switching tasks and displays between trials. On half the trials (continuous transition), the display dynamically rotated in depth from one display format to the other. On the other half (discrete transition), participants were immediately shown the alternate display format. The results showed that response time after transition was less for the continuous condition, and that accuracy was greater for the continuous condition, especially for the 3D display. We argue that this was because the continuous transition provided improved visual momentum between consecutive displays, and recommend the use of dynamic transition when switching views on geographic terrain.