An examination of the design and appropriate depiction of topographic information on instrument approach charts

This research investigates the effects of cartographic generalization on the pilot's ability to extract information effectively from instrument approach charts. Although the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets standards for the construction of aeronautical charts, the standard for topography on an instrument approach chart is vague about the amount of information to be included. Twenty pilots were asked to perform two specific map-use tasks. While performing these tasks, subject's eye movements were recorded using the Stoelting Eyetracker/Pupilometer system. The dependent variables of number of fixations and duration of fixations were examined as well as subjective and objective measures of chart complexity.; Data obtained through eye movement recording showed that topographic representation should be kept to a minimum. Certain tasks, however, utilize both aero-navigational and topographic information, hence, some topographic data is essential. A subjective evaluation of topographic information content also revealed that subjects derived some benefit from the presence of topographic data. These results corroborated the eye movement data by indicating that charts displaying a high level of topographic information contributed to inefficient data extraction and difficulty of use. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...