VIRTUAL REALITY VISUALIZATION FOR MAPS OF THE FUTURE DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Kosta Bidoshi, M.S. * * * * * The Ohio State University 2003 Dissertation Committee: Approved by Professor Alan Saalfeld, Adviser __________________________ Professor J. Raul Ramirez, Co-Adviser Adviser Geodetic Science Graduate Professor Joel Morrison Program ABSTRACT In today's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Computer-Assisted Maps, user’s perceptual interface with a paper map is replaced, in many cases, by the analytical and logical queries of a spatial database that represents the map in a computer form. The analytical results do not give a full account of the information that can be represented since these results do not include the implicit information contained in the map. The visual display representation of the entire map is very important for the user to determine what kind of information is to be extracted and to understand the interrelations among elements of the map. Current visualization techniques (paper maps and their computer replicas) do not take full advantage of the many modalities of human perception in representing the complete possible range of spatial information. This research investigates the use of virtual reality (VR) in map visualization and reconsiders some of the fundamental concepts of cartography in the context of the VR advances. Our investigation of spatial cognition shows that VR techniques enhance the perception of spatial phenomena in maps. Three-dimensional object visualization and terrain representation are means to increase the level of perception of the real world in maps. Spatial sound techniques used to enhance the perception of real world phenomena and describe cartographic features are considered important additions to the visual representation in a VR map. Dynamic visualization is used to display real world phenomena (like clouds, rain and movement of the cars and rivers) and to attract the map user’s attention. Important cartographic elements such as georeferencing, scale and symbolization are reformulated in the context of VR map visualization. User ii interaction with the VR map environment enhances the feeling of the realistic presence within the surroundings. Intelligent VR map visualization improves the perception of spatial phenomena through visual representation of GIS queries and analysis. In all, then, this project aims at setting the framework for building an “virtual perceptual reality” for mapping environments. This will allow us to immerse users into the mapped entities in realistic ways using somewhat conventional desktop computers. iii Dedicated to my parents and my wife iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Firstly, I wish to express my gratitude to my advisors Dr. Alan Saalfeld and Dr. Raul Ramirez for their comments and constructive criticism and Dr. Joel Morrison for his insights. Special thanks go to Dr. Ramirez for his guidance and support during this research. Without his help and encouragement this dissertation would not have been possible. He gave me the opportunity to work and learn at the Center for Mapping, as well as provided the direction to completing and refining this research. My great appreciation goes to Dr. Burkhard Schaffrin for changing my life by providing me with the opportunity to come and study in the United States. I would also like to thank Dr. Ron Li who was instrumental in my obtaining financial support for the last three quarters of this research through a PEGS grant. Many thanks to Irene Tesfai who was always willing to provide assistance with department paperwork and who guided me through the complicated path of returning to the Ph.D. program after a long absence. This research would have not been possible without the love and support of my parents, Petrit and Ana-Ermoza, my sisters, Alma and Anita, and my wife, Kristin. Special thanks go to my father for his continued urging and encouragement until the completion of this degree. I am thankful to my wife, Kristin, for her patience, moral support and tremendous assistance in both content and language throughout the chapters of this dissertation. v VITA January 17, 1969.............................................................Born - Tirana, Albania 1991.................................................................................Diploma Engineer Tirana University 1995.................................................................................M.S. Geodetic Science The Ohio State University 1994-1998........................................................................Graduate Research Associate, Center for Mapping, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio PUBLICATIONS Bidoshi, K., Ramirez, J.R. (1997) “Quality Control of Road Datasets Using a Hybrid Data Structure” UCGIS (University Consortium for Geographic Information Systems) Annual Assembly and Summer Retreat. Ramirez, J. R., Bidoshi, K., Douglass, T., Phuyal, B., and Szakas, J. (1996) “A Quality Assessment of Spatial Data Acquired for the Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base Conversion Task,” Center for Mapping Report 1996_RR_01. Ramirez, J. R., Bidoshi, K., and Szakas, J. (1996) “Partial Automation of Flood Zone Determination,” Center for Mapping Report 1996_RR_02. vi Bidoshi, K., Ramirez, J. R.,. (1999) “Multimedia Visualization for Maps of the Future”, International Cartographic Association General Assembly, Ottawa, Canada. FIELDS OF STUDY Major Field: Geodetic Science vii TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................ II ACKNOWLEDGMENTS............................................................................................... V VITA .................................................................................................................... VI LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................... XII LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................... XIII CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................1 1.1. Purpose .......................................................................................................3 1.2. Scope...........................................................................................................4 1.3. Organization................................................................................................5 1.4. Hardware and Software...............................................................................5 1.5. References...................................................................................................6 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW ..............................................................................7 2.1. Virtual Reality Concept and Technology......................................................8 2.2. Virtual Reality in Cartography.....................................................................12 2.3. Applications ................................................................................................15 viii 2.4. Virtual Reality Modeling Language – VRML.................................................17 2.5. XML and its Potential for Use in VR Visualization.......................................18 2.6. Animation in VR..........................................................................................19 2.7. Sound in VR................................................................................................20 2.8. References...................................................................................................23 CHAPTER 3 SPATIAL COGNITION ...............................................................................27 3.1. Spatial Cognition in Cartography ................................................................28 3.2. Spatial Cognition in a Virtual Environment ................................................32 3.2.1. Human Perception of Virtual Reality Maps...........................................32 3.2.2. Spatial Cognition in Learning...............................................................39 3.2.3. Spatial Cognition in Dynamic Environments........................................41 3.2.4. Spatial Cognition and Sound................................................................42 3.3. Summary ....................................................................................................44 3.4. References...................................................................................................46 CHAPTER 4 MAP REPRESENTATION IN VIRTUAL REALITY ...............................................50 4.1. Three-dimensional Visualization .................................................................51 4.1.1. Three-dimensional Object Viewing .......................................................51 4.1.2. Terrain Modeling ..................................................................................60 4.2. Sound - An Addition to the Visual Interface of a VR Map............................64 4.2.1. Virtual Auditory Systems .....................................................................64 4.2.2. Use of Sound in VR Maps.....................................................................68 4.3. Dynamic Visualization.................................................................................73