In this paper, we present three field-based evaluations of a tactile land navigation system. In Experiment 1, we transition from a laboratory setting to rugged terrain used to train US Army soldier land navigation. Navigation in this challenging terrain requires careful attention to one's surroundings. Participants navigated 3 waypoints along 600 meters through heavily wooded terrain, using 1) map and compass, 2) standard alpha-numeric handheld GPS device, and 3) the tactile GPS system, while also responding to radio requests for information. Experiment 2 used the same challenging terrain during night operations, where participants must also search for live and silhouette targets, using 1) handheld GPS device, 2) head-mounted map-based GPS, and 3) the tactile GPS system. In addition to navigating, participants searched for silhouette and live (human) targets. Experiment 3 had participants navigate with 1) a commercial GPS arrow display, 2) the tactile GPS system, and 3) both together. We conclude that tactile navigation displays can be used in strenuous outdoor environments and can outperform visual displays under conditions of high cognitive and visual workload.

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Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports (0704-0188), 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) May 20072. REPORT TYPE ARL-SR-0152 SPONSOR/MONITOR'S ACRONYM(S) 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) SPONSOR/MONITOR'S REPORT NUMBERS DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENTApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTESAddress correspondence to Elizabeth Redden, U.S. Army Research Laboratory, USAIC HRED Field Element, ATTN AMSRD-ARL-HR-MW, Bldg 4, Room 332, Fort Benning, GA 31905; elizabeth.redden@benning.army.mil. ABSTRACTThis report is a consolidated description of past work performed to develop the University of Central Florida's tactile belt display system and to evaluate its potential for use as a covert means of communication to the individual warfighter. Previously, the results from these evaluations were distributed as technical reports, meeting presentations, and live demonstrations spanning the past several years. This report documents the full body of work and combines it into one document. Researchers expected the use of tactile displays to reduce demands on and interference with the Soldiers' overtaxed visual and auditory channels, thereby improving overall performance capacity and mission readiness. As part of the development process, tactile system characteristics were reviewed and assessed to ensure system effectiveness. Several studies were performed to determine optimal system characteristics. After an effective system was developed, it was evaluated for military applications such as covert communication and target cuing in realistic mission context. This report contains these studies and documents the tactile belt display system's effect on Soldier performance. Today's Soldier receives information from many sources, but comprehension is limited by the constraints imposed by the equipment itself, the medium of transmission, and human information processing. Despite technological advances, the battlefield continues to overwhelm the Soldier's primary sources of input (namely, the eyes and ears) by sheer volume or by obscuring or distorting sights and sounds. In fact, display signals themselves can block environmental cues, emit s...