In this paper we present the outline and usability of Google Earth visualization of Sustainable O... more In this paper we present the outline and usability of Google Earth visualization of Sustainable Outlook (GESO), a tool to prepare a multi-layered visualization of land use changes. The land use changes are the results future outlook studies of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. GESO aims an effective, easy and low cost way to study Sustainable Outlook data via an interactive 3D visualization that integrates the land use icon and landscape feature approach as presented in previous studies. The concept, implementation and usability of GESO are explained, concluded and discussed. The paper starts to explain the context of GESO and the intention to visualize 3-dimensionally land use changes (Al-Kodmany, 2001; Borsboom- van Beurden, 2006; Lammeren, 2005). Out of this context the concept of GESO architecture is presented. Amongst other functions it combines two Dutch authorized datasets, national DEM and the national topography, into a semi-3D dataset. Secondly the tool tran...
Decision making through a web-based tool is a complex challenge. Research projects are generally ... more Decision making through a web-based tool is a complex challenge. Research projects are generally not designed to meet the information needs of specific stakeholder groups. Furthermore, tools developed in these projects are usually intended to disseminate research data on a wide scale, not to provide answers to specific questions of these stakeholders. User-centered design techniques can guide the development process of such tools, to enhance their usefulness and thus the applicability of the research outcomes for the intended audience. We applied techniques for user requirements analysis of the Impacts Explorer tool in the AgMIP research project, which models the impacts of climate change on agricultural systems with a focus on farmers’ income and food security. The objective of the Impacts Explorer is to support users in different continents, with different requirements and levels of knowledge, in developing adaptation plans in agricultural management. This paper discusses the appr...
As INSPIRE progresses to be implemented in the EU, many new discovery portals are built to facili... more As INSPIRE progresses to be implemented in the EU, many new discovery portals are built to facilitate finding spatial data. Currently the structure of the discovery portals is determined by the way spatial data experts like to work. However, we argue that the main target group for discovery portals are not spatial data experts but professionals with limited spatial knowledge, and a focus outside the spatial domain. An exploratory usability experiment was carried out in which three discovery portals were assessed by five participants representing the main target group “the professional outside the spatial domain”. The aim was to accept or reject our proposition that discovery portals are difficult to use for non-GIS specialists, and to identify the main obstacles in the interface. The Think Aloud Protocol was used to conduct the test. The participants were asked to perform the same search task in three discovery portals. Performance, accuracy and emotional response of the participant...
For Europe, the state of the environment is crucial for quality of life. Therefore, information o... more For Europe, the state of the environment is crucial for quality of life. Therefore, information on the environment is highly relevant not only for public authorities responsible for creating the proper conditions but also for citizens. This has been acknowledged worldwide in the Aarhus Convention and, specifically in case of Europe, the European Union has transposed and implemented rights on access to environmental information by way of adopting the Public Access to Environmental Information (PAEI) Directive. Together with the Public Sector Information (PSI) Directive and the INSPIRE Directive for an infrastructure for spatial environmental data, this constituted the regulatory framework to actively disseminate environmental information. It is expected that this framework for environmental transparency will be supported by approximately 181 EU reporting obligations across 58 items of current enforceable legislation related to the protection of the environment. Gathering information ...
In this paper we present the outline and usability of Google Earth visualization of Sustainable O... more In this paper we present the outline and usability of Google Earth visualization of Sustainable Outlook (GESO), a tool to prepare a multi-layered visualization of land use changes. The land use changes are the results future outlook studies of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. GESO aims an effective, easy and low cost way to study Sustainable Outlook data via an interactive 3D visualization that integrates the land use icon and landscape feature approach as presented in previous studies. The concept, implementation and usability of GESO are explained, concluded and discussed. The paper starts to explain the context of GESO and the intention to visualize 3-dimensionally land use changes (Al-Kodmany, 2001; Borsboomvan Beurden, 2006; Lammeren, 2005). Out of this context the concept of GESO architecture is presented. Amongst other functions it combines two Dutch authorized datasets, national DEM and the national topography, into a semi-3D dataset. Secondly the tool transf...
This study investigated whether simulated darkness influences the affective appraisal of a deskto... more This study investigated whether simulated darkness influences the affective appraisal of a desktop virtual environment (VE). In the real world darkness often evokes thoughts of vulnerability, threat, and danger, and may automatically precipitate emotional responses consonant with those thoughts (fear of darkness). This influences the affective appraisal of a given environment after dark and the way humans behave in that environment in conditions of low lighting. Desktop VEs are increasingly deployed to study the effects of environmental qualities and (architectural or lighting) interventions on human behaviour and feelings of safety. Their (ecological) validity for these purposes depends critically on their ability to correctly address the user’s cognitive and affective experience. However, it is currently not known how and to what extent simulated darkness in desktop (i.e., non-immersive) VEs affects the user’s affective appraisal of the represented environment. In this study young...
This study investigated whether personal relevance influences the affective appraisal of a deskto... more This study investigated whether personal relevance influences the affective appraisal of a desktop virtual environment (VE) in simulated darkness. In the real world, darkness often evokes thoughts of vulnerability, threat, and danger, and may automatically precipitate emotional responses consonant with those thoughts (fear of darkness). This influences the affective appraisal of a given environment after dark and the way humans behave in that environment in conditions of low lighting. Desktop VEs are increasingly deployed to study the effects of environmental qualities and (architectural or lighting) interventions on human behaviour and feelings of safety. Their (ecological) validity for these purposes depends critically on their ability to correctly address the user’s cognitive and affective experience. Previous studies with desktop (i.e., non-immersive) VEs found that simulated darkness only slightly affects the user’s behavioral and emotional responses to the represented environm...
This study investigated whether personal relevance influences the affective appraisal of a deskto... more This study investigated whether personal relevance influences the affective appraisal of a desktop virtual environment (VE) in simulated darkness. In the real world, darkness often evokes thoughts of vulnerability, threat, and danger, and may automatically precipitate emotional responses consonant with those thoughts (fear of darkness). This influences the affective appraisal of a given environment after dark and the way humans behave in that environment in conditions of low lighting. Desktop VEs are increasingly deployed to study the effects of environmental qualities and (architectural or lighting) interventions on human behaviour and feelings of safety. Their (ecological) validity for these purposes depends critically on their ability to correctly address the user's cognitive and affective experience. Previous studies with desktop (i.e., non-immersive) VEs found that simulated darkness only slightly affects the user's behavioral and emotional responses to the represented ...
This study investigated whether simulated lighting conditions (daytime versus night-time) determi... more This study investigated whether simulated lighting conditions (daytime versus night-time) determine the affective appraisal of a desktop virtual environment (VE). Desktop VEs are increasingly deployed to study the effects of environmental qualities and interventions (e.g. lighting, vegetation, signage, surveillance cameras, etc.) on human behavior and feelings of safety. Their validity for these purposes depends critically on their ability to correctly address the user's cognitive and affective experience. However, it is currently not known if the innate fear for darkness which most people have also extrapolates to desktop virtual environments.In this study participants were requested to explore either a daytime or a nighttime version of a desktop virtual environment representing a typical Dutch deserted rural area. Young females were chosen as participants since this group is particularly susceptible to fear of darkness. The lack of social presence and the deserted nature of th...
SoilGolf is a mixed reality game for educational purposes. The design integrates the subject matt... more SoilGolf is a mixed reality game for educational purposes. The design integrates the subject matter (soils as a resource for life) with features of a virtual golf course into an engaging outdoor activity in the real world using geo coordinates. We tested the design of the game with two techniques and evaluated their usefulness for the development of games. Some technical difficulties in implementation are discussed.
In this paper we present the outline and usability of Google Earth visualization of Sustainable O... more In this paper we present the outline and usability of Google Earth visualization of Sustainable Outlook (GESO), a tool to prepare a multi-layered visualization of land use changes. The land use changes are the results future outlook studies of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. GESO aims an effective, easy and low cost way to study Sustainable Outlook data via an interactive 3D visualization that integrates the land use icon and landscape feature approach as presented in previous studies. The concept, implementation and usability of GESO are explained, concluded and discussed. The paper starts to explain the context of GESO and the intention to visualize 3-dimensionally land use changes (Al-Kodmany, 2001; Borsboom- van Beurden, 2006; Lammeren, 2005). Out of this context the concept of GESO architecture is presented. Amongst other functions it combines two Dutch authorized datasets, national DEM and the national topography, into a semi-3D dataset. Secondly the tool tran...
Decision making through a web-based tool is a complex challenge. Research projects are generally ... more Decision making through a web-based tool is a complex challenge. Research projects are generally not designed to meet the information needs of specific stakeholder groups. Furthermore, tools developed in these projects are usually intended to disseminate research data on a wide scale, not to provide answers to specific questions of these stakeholders. User-centered design techniques can guide the development process of such tools, to enhance their usefulness and thus the applicability of the research outcomes for the intended audience. We applied techniques for user requirements analysis of the Impacts Explorer tool in the AgMIP research project, which models the impacts of climate change on agricultural systems with a focus on farmers’ income and food security. The objective of the Impacts Explorer is to support users in different continents, with different requirements and levels of knowledge, in developing adaptation plans in agricultural management. This paper discusses the appr...
As INSPIRE progresses to be implemented in the EU, many new discovery portals are built to facili... more As INSPIRE progresses to be implemented in the EU, many new discovery portals are built to facilitate finding spatial data. Currently the structure of the discovery portals is determined by the way spatial data experts like to work. However, we argue that the main target group for discovery portals are not spatial data experts but professionals with limited spatial knowledge, and a focus outside the spatial domain. An exploratory usability experiment was carried out in which three discovery portals were assessed by five participants representing the main target group “the professional outside the spatial domain”. The aim was to accept or reject our proposition that discovery portals are difficult to use for non-GIS specialists, and to identify the main obstacles in the interface. The Think Aloud Protocol was used to conduct the test. The participants were asked to perform the same search task in three discovery portals. Performance, accuracy and emotional response of the participant...
For Europe, the state of the environment is crucial for quality of life. Therefore, information o... more For Europe, the state of the environment is crucial for quality of life. Therefore, information on the environment is highly relevant not only for public authorities responsible for creating the proper conditions but also for citizens. This has been acknowledged worldwide in the Aarhus Convention and, specifically in case of Europe, the European Union has transposed and implemented rights on access to environmental information by way of adopting the Public Access to Environmental Information (PAEI) Directive. Together with the Public Sector Information (PSI) Directive and the INSPIRE Directive for an infrastructure for spatial environmental data, this constituted the regulatory framework to actively disseminate environmental information. It is expected that this framework for environmental transparency will be supported by approximately 181 EU reporting obligations across 58 items of current enforceable legislation related to the protection of the environment. Gathering information ...
In this paper we present the outline and usability of Google Earth visualization of Sustainable O... more In this paper we present the outline and usability of Google Earth visualization of Sustainable Outlook (GESO), a tool to prepare a multi-layered visualization of land use changes. The land use changes are the results future outlook studies of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. GESO aims an effective, easy and low cost way to study Sustainable Outlook data via an interactive 3D visualization that integrates the land use icon and landscape feature approach as presented in previous studies. The concept, implementation and usability of GESO are explained, concluded and discussed. The paper starts to explain the context of GESO and the intention to visualize 3-dimensionally land use changes (Al-Kodmany, 2001; Borsboomvan Beurden, 2006; Lammeren, 2005). Out of this context the concept of GESO architecture is presented. Amongst other functions it combines two Dutch authorized datasets, national DEM and the national topography, into a semi-3D dataset. Secondly the tool transf...
This study investigated whether simulated darkness influences the affective appraisal of a deskto... more This study investigated whether simulated darkness influences the affective appraisal of a desktop virtual environment (VE). In the real world darkness often evokes thoughts of vulnerability, threat, and danger, and may automatically precipitate emotional responses consonant with those thoughts (fear of darkness). This influences the affective appraisal of a given environment after dark and the way humans behave in that environment in conditions of low lighting. Desktop VEs are increasingly deployed to study the effects of environmental qualities and (architectural or lighting) interventions on human behaviour and feelings of safety. Their (ecological) validity for these purposes depends critically on their ability to correctly address the user’s cognitive and affective experience. However, it is currently not known how and to what extent simulated darkness in desktop (i.e., non-immersive) VEs affects the user’s affective appraisal of the represented environment. In this study young...
This study investigated whether personal relevance influences the affective appraisal of a deskto... more This study investigated whether personal relevance influences the affective appraisal of a desktop virtual environment (VE) in simulated darkness. In the real world, darkness often evokes thoughts of vulnerability, threat, and danger, and may automatically precipitate emotional responses consonant with those thoughts (fear of darkness). This influences the affective appraisal of a given environment after dark and the way humans behave in that environment in conditions of low lighting. Desktop VEs are increasingly deployed to study the effects of environmental qualities and (architectural or lighting) interventions on human behaviour and feelings of safety. Their (ecological) validity for these purposes depends critically on their ability to correctly address the user’s cognitive and affective experience. Previous studies with desktop (i.e., non-immersive) VEs found that simulated darkness only slightly affects the user’s behavioral and emotional responses to the represented environm...
This study investigated whether personal relevance influences the affective appraisal of a deskto... more This study investigated whether personal relevance influences the affective appraisal of a desktop virtual environment (VE) in simulated darkness. In the real world, darkness often evokes thoughts of vulnerability, threat, and danger, and may automatically precipitate emotional responses consonant with those thoughts (fear of darkness). This influences the affective appraisal of a given environment after dark and the way humans behave in that environment in conditions of low lighting. Desktop VEs are increasingly deployed to study the effects of environmental qualities and (architectural or lighting) interventions on human behaviour and feelings of safety. Their (ecological) validity for these purposes depends critically on their ability to correctly address the user's cognitive and affective experience. Previous studies with desktop (i.e., non-immersive) VEs found that simulated darkness only slightly affects the user's behavioral and emotional responses to the represented ...
This study investigated whether simulated lighting conditions (daytime versus night-time) determi... more This study investigated whether simulated lighting conditions (daytime versus night-time) determine the affective appraisal of a desktop virtual environment (VE). Desktop VEs are increasingly deployed to study the effects of environmental qualities and interventions (e.g. lighting, vegetation, signage, surveillance cameras, etc.) on human behavior and feelings of safety. Their validity for these purposes depends critically on their ability to correctly address the user's cognitive and affective experience. However, it is currently not known if the innate fear for darkness which most people have also extrapolates to desktop virtual environments.In this study participants were requested to explore either a daytime or a nighttime version of a desktop virtual environment representing a typical Dutch deserted rural area. Young females were chosen as participants since this group is particularly susceptible to fear of darkness. The lack of social presence and the deserted nature of th...
SoilGolf is a mixed reality game for educational purposes. The design integrates the subject matt... more SoilGolf is a mixed reality game for educational purposes. The design integrates the subject matter (soils as a resource for life) with features of a virtual golf course into an engaging outdoor activity in the real world using geo coordinates. We tested the design of the game with two techniques and evaluated their usefulness for the development of games. Some technical difficulties in implementation are discussed.
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