Presentation and Manipulation Techniques for Geospatial Visualizations using Augmented Reality

Headworn display (HWD) augmented reality devices, such as the Magic Leap and HoloLens provide new opportunities to enhance interactive data visualizations. While immersive HWDs provide a straightforward way to render 3D and immersive visualizations, there are opportunities to improve 2D visualizations as well. This research program considers how 3D spatial metaphors enabled by AR can extend the capabilities of touchscreen displays for 2D data visualizations.
In one sub-project we will consider the metaphor of raising elements out of the 2D visualization. We will explore its use as a mechanism for abstracting away from a base visualization, to aid in defining queries, filters, and other data constraints. After an iterative design and implementation phase we will conduct a user study comparing the technique with standard 2D tools used to accomplish the same tasks.
In a second sub-project we will explore the metaphor of offscreen data sheets or layers, which provide a coordinated views mechanism by using the space around the touchscreen, and can be physically placed over and removed from the 2D visualization on the touchscreen as a means of adding/removing data attributes.

Faculty Supervisor:

Derek Reilly

Student:

Partner:

Ericsson Canada Inc (Montreal, QC)

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Information and cultural industries; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: