Applying Human
Factors & Design Principles to Geoscience Visualization
Cole, Mary1, Ann Worrel2
(1) Landmark,
Tools designed for 3-D visualization and
interpretation of exploration data are now in widespread use. While our ability
to interpret and communicate our understanding of complex fault geometries and
depositional systems can be improved by the use of 3-D visualization tools;
complex data and large datasets can result in cluttered and confusing images.
Applying principles from human factors and graphics design can help us create
visualizations that are more interpretable and that better represent the
underlying data.
A successful visualization is the result
of careful attention to numerous details. Color is widely used to display data
variations; however care must be taken to choose perceptually linear color
scales so that the data are not masked or distorted. Color scales may be chosen
to accommodate users with varying degrees of color perception. Lighting effects
can bring out subtle features in the data, but may conflict with color
representation. Transparency is a useful device for depicting multiple
overlapping surfaces but may result in images that are unacceptably complex.
Design principles can be used to minimize perceptual clutter, improving the
effectiveness of the visualization.
When a 3-D visualization tool is used
interactively, additional facets of human perception can be exploited. Motion
is a very effective tool, as are stereoscopic displays. By better understanding
human perception we build visualizations that allow us to interpret and
communicate geoscience data more effectively.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #90063©2007 AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, California