Keywords

Spatial Interface, Crisis Response, Crisis Management, Information Management, Information Integration, Information Visualization

Abstract

The focus of this study was to investigate how a spatial interface can be effectively utilized to support information presentation and information integration via human-centric data visualization, leading to decreased cognitive load, more accurate situation awareness, and subsequently, improved task performance. In high tempo, information intensive environments like those managed by an emergency operations center (EOC), information organization tools are essential. Though users can be trained to use conventional email software applications efficiently, the constraints of the information management paradigms inherent to conventional systems may limit a user's ability to gather context and create an accurate picture of the situation. It is possible that new data visualization techniques and information management paradigms may improve a user's performance far beyond these limits. To address these issues, theories regarding information management, cognitive workload and data visualization paradigms were explored and applied to create a software prototype spatial interface. This study focused on how an individual member of an EOC would need to collect and organize incoming incident reports (e.g., emails) for the purpose of quick analysis and integration. The operator then used this information to build a picture of the event or events taking place in their sphere of influence. Performance metrics were applied to determine whether or not an individual could perform faster and more accurately with the Incident Report Visual Organizer (IRVO) prototype software interface as opposed to a conventional interface (Microsoft Outlook). The findings from this exploratory evaluation are discussed, as well as the potential implications of utilizing spatial interfaces to manage information in dynamic environments.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2007

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Tang, Arthur

Degree

Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (M.S.I.E.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Industrial Engineering and Management Systems

Degree Program

Industrial Engineering

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0001770

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0001770

Language

English

Release Date

September 2007

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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