Browsing by Author "Schafer, Wendy A."
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- A Classification of Interactive Map SoftwareSchafer, Wendy A. (Department of Computer Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 2001)Map software programs can be different in a number of ways. This paper reports on the classification of interactivity produced as a result of surveying forty map applications. Specific examples from the survey are referenced as we describe different navigation styles, different levels of collaboration support, and various data options. Unique combinations within the classification are also discussed as we explore ideas for new interaction technqiues.
- Map-Based Navigation in a Graphical MOOSchafer, Wendy A.; Bowman, Douglas A.; Carroll, John M. (Department of Computer Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 2001)Traditional MUDs and MOOs lack support for global wareness and simple navigation. These problems can be addressed by the introduction of a map-based navigation tool. In this paper we report on the design and evaluation of such a tool for MOOsburg, a graphical 2D MOO based on the town of Blacksburg, Virginia. The tool supports exploration and place-based tasks in the MOO. It also allows navigation of a large-scale map and encourages users to develop survey knowledge of the town. An evaluation revealed some initial usability problems with our prototype and suggested new design ideas that may better support users. Using these results, the lessons learned about map-based navigation are presented.
- Supporting Spatial Collaboration: An Investigation of Viewpoint Constraint and Awareness TechniquesSchafer, Wendy A. (Virginia Tech, 2004-04-20)Spatial collaboration refers to collaboration activities involving physical space. It occurs every day as people work together to solve spatial problems, such as rearranging furniture or communicating about an environmental issue. In this work, we investigate how to support spatial collaboration when the collaborators are not colocated. We propose using shared, interactive representations of the space to support distributed, spatial collaboration. Our study examines viewpoint constraint techniques, which determine how the collaborators individually view the representation, and awareness techniques, which enable the collaborators to maintain an understanding of each other's work efforts. Our work consists of four phases, in which we explore a design space for interactive representations and examine the effects of different viewpoint constraint and awareness techniques. We consider situations where the collaborators use the same viewpoints, different viewpoints, and have a choice in viewpoint constraint techniques. In phase 1, we examine current technological support for spatial collaboration and designed two early prototypes. Phase 2 compares various two-dimensional map techniques, with the collaborators using identical techniques. Phase 3 focuses on three-dimensional virtual environment techniques, comparing similar and different frames of reference. The final phase reuses the favorable techniques from the previous studies and presents a novel prototype that combines both two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations. Each phase of this research is limited to synchronous communication activities and non-professional users working together on everyday tasks. Our findings highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the different techniques for spatial collaboration solutions. Also, having conducted multiple evaluations of spatial collaboration prototypes, we offer a common set of lessons with respect to distributed, spatial collaboration activities. This research also highlights the need for continued study to improve on the techniques evaluated and to consider additional spatial collaboration activities.
- Using Interactive Maps in Community ApplicationsSchafer, Wendy A. (Department of Computer Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 2001)Interactive maps provide unique ways to support community applications. In particular, they enable new collaborative activities. Map-based navigation supports a community environment as well as virtual tours. Interactive maps can also function as a tool in collecting historical information and discussing new spatial layouts. These examples indicate the numerous opportunities for interactive maps to support collaboration.