Eye-Movement Parameters and Perceived Map Complexity—I

Abstract

Abstract In the early 1970s, cartographers became extremely interested in examining the map-reading process through the study of eye movements: where the eye was directed, the sequence in which map elements were viewed, and the degree to which elements or areas were reexamined or ignored. These studies, they hoped, would lead to improvements in symbol design, give designers more control over how their maps would be perceived, and increase the overall efficiency of map use. To date, these anticipated effects have not materialized. Meanwhile, examining this area with a different emphasis, psychologists have been studying how the eye moves to serve a highly selective and purposive information-processing system. Part I of this paper takes a closer look at the relationship between these two kinds of studies and at several eye-movement parameters which suggest their utility in helping to gauge and understand the functional complexity of the map being viewed. Part II of this paper describes an experimental study which explores these concepts further by examining the relationship between subjective judgments of map complexity—termed "perceived complexity"—and cognitive processing behavior as reflected in the nature of eye movements. Keywords: EYE MOVEMENTSCOGNITIVE PROCESSINGEXPERIENCEMAP COMPLEXITY