Different Levels of 3D: An Evaluation of Visualized Discrete Spatiotemporal Data in Space-Time Cubes

Abstract

New technologies and techniques allow novel kinds of visualizations and different types of 3D visualizations are constantly developed. We propose a categorization of 3D visualizations and, based on this categorization, evaluate two versions of a space-time cube that show discrete spatiotemporal data. The two visualization techniques used are a head-tracked stereoscopic visualization (‘strong 3D’) and a static monocular visualization (‘weak 3D’). In terms of effectiveness and efficiency the weak 3D visualization is as good as the strong 3D and thus the need for advanced 3D visualizations in these kinds of tasks may not be necessary.

Interactive analysis of time intervals in a two-dimensional space

“…The extents of these linear segments along the time axis indicate the time intervals. However, this tool suffers from some typical problems of 3D visualisation 34,35 . For example, the structure of objects varies when the view point varies.…”

Visualization of Vessel Traffic

“…Kjellin et al [89] conduct a user study to see the effect between these rendering techniques for finding the largest spread between various disease propagation. The test is executed by 32 participants, from which they conclude that there is no significant difference between the two rendering techniques.…”

Involve Me and I Will Understand!–Abstract Data Visualization in Immersive Environments

“…This process causes occlusion issues and visual clutter for 3D graphics. Due to this, such representations have been labeled weak-3D [11].…”

“…Keys for the success are the provided depth cues [12] and immersion [15]. However, it has been reported [11] that such a strong-3D display [11] does not always provide better results than a weak-3D display. This especially applies to less cluttered data representations.…”

“…However, such di culties are usually quick to overcome [16]. There are also cases where IE usage does not provide a signicant advantage compared to non-immersive display technology [11]. As IEs only advance the means for data representation and interaction, this especially applies to solutions that strongly rely on other stages of the visualization process, such as ltering.…”