Effect of field-of-view on perceived representativeness and preference of visual simulations

The purpose of this study was to contribute to an analytical framework for creating and validating simulations. This was achieved by investigating viewer response to changes of a single-image variable (field-of-view). Eight images of two different test sites, with fields-of-view that ranged from 40 to 120 degrees, were judged by 47 people. Image representativeness was analyzed by evaluating viewer response of the images to the actual scene. Statistical analysis revealed that simulations with fields-of-view > 40 and ≤ 90 degrees may best represent the test sites, regardless of the scenes viewshed. Preference ratings for the same images were analyzed and compared with response to representativeness. The results of the study reveal no relationship between image preference and the perceived accuracy of the images to represent the test sites. Implications of the findings suggest further research is needed on methods of estimating the validity of visual simulations.