Virtual maps–virtual worlds: Testing the usability of a greek virtual cultural map

Abstract

The authors report on the findings of a usability test conducted to evaluate the usability of the VeriaGrid online system. The VeriaGrid (www.theveriagrid.org) is a prototype virtual map that focuses on the provision of information related to the cultural heritage of the city of Veria (Greece). It has been developed under the Light Project by the Central Public Library of Veria (www.libver.gr). It is an interactive application that includes various functional or thematic areas such as an interactive digital map of Veria, image gallery, videoclips, panoramic site photos, and general information about the city of Veria. The findings of the usability test revealed that users had some difficulties in using novel features of the digital map (such as the Recommended Points and the Routes functions) and finding textual information about cultural heritage of the city of Veria. Users, however, were satisfied with the overall usability of the system. In light of these findings, some recommendations for improving the usability of the system are made.

Digitizing Dunhuang Cultural Heritage: A User Evaluation of Mogao Cave Panorama Digital Library

“…There are a number of studies on evaluating the usability of cultural heritage DLs and exploring ways of improvement. For example, Garoufallou, Siatri, and Balatsoukas (2008) evaluated the usability of VeriaGrid, an online virtual map DL focusing on the provision of information about cultural heritage in Veria, Greece. Their findings indicated that, although novel features such as recommended points of interests were added into the system, users still encountered difficulties in locating texts describing the heritage sites in the DL.…”

“…However, non-moveable heritage sites such as historic townscapes and landscapes, archaeological sites and remains, and standing buildings and monuments are subject to geo-location constraints and erosions caused by natural forces (Herbert, 1995). In recent years, the interest has been growing in applying digital technology to documenting and preserving cultural heritage (Garoufallou, Siatri, & Balatsoukas, 2008). Digital libraries (DLs) have played an important role in digitalizing and preserving cultural heritage materials, providing users with access to digital surrogates of these precious materials from anywhere at any time.…”

User‐Centered evaluation of metadata schema for nonmovable cultural heritage: Murals and stone cave temples

“…More importantly, these heritages may undergo deformation due to natural and/or man‐made causes. Digitalizing these heritages for documentation and preservation is considered to be one of the solutions to this problem (Garoufallou et al, ). Moreover, when numerous digital resources are produced, organization of and access to these resources become crucial, which in turn calls for reliable, high‐quality metadata.…”

Evaluating metadata schema for murals and stone cave temples: Towards digitizing cultural heritage

“…More importantly, these heritages may experience damage due to natural and/or man-made causes. Digitalizing cultural heritages for documentation and preservation is considered a viable solution to this problem (Garoufallou et al, 2008). When numerous digital resources are produced, metadata of cultural heritage information become crucial for organizing and accessing these resources.…”