The effects of terrain discrepancy and the role of texture in enhanced/synthetic vision systems

This thesis presents the results of a study conducted at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies Flight Simulation Laboratory, investigating the effects of terrain discrepancies due to navigation error and texture patterns on pilot performance while using an Enhanced/Synthetic Vision System (E/SVS). Flights in a Bell 205 helicopter simulator incorporating Enhanced/Synthetic Vision were performed. Analysis of the results revealed that in maintaining a target altitude and velocity a plaid texture pattern resulted in the best pilot performance. Also shown was that terrain discrepancy in pitch caused the greatest deviation from the desired velocity and altitude. Pilots performed equally well in comparing slopes independent of the navigation error or texture selection. Navigation error and texture did not affect the ability of pilots to fly constant altitude above sloping terrain or to match their mean heading with the up-slope direction, but roll navigation error resulted in a greater standard deviation in heading.