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Activity Number:
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267
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Type:
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Invited
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Date/Time:
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Wednesday, August 14, 2002 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
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Sponsor:
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Section on Survey Research Methods*
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| Abstract - #300280 |
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Title:
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Using Digital Maps and GPS for Planning and Navigation in Field Surveys
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Author(s):
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Sarah Nusser*+ and Jean Fox
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Affiliation(s):
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Iowa State University and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Address:
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220 Snedecor Hall, Ames, Iowa, 50011-1210, USA
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Keywords:
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Abstract:
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A major activity in field data collection is finding and navigating to sample units such as housing units and outlets. These tasks are especially challenging when staff receive assignments in unfamiliar areas or when sample units are hard to find. The emergence of readily available digital geospatial information resources offers an opportunity to provide more effective tools for finding sample units in the field. We conducted an observational study to explore how digital maps and GPS displayed on a tablet computer could be used for planning and for locating sample units in a vehicle. Field staff used map software in the office to plan a route for a set of outlets, and then used map software and GPS in their vehicles to navigate to target outlets. There was wide variation in user preferences for written directions and graphical displays, as predicted by spatial cognition theory. Users did best when minimal information was presented in a simple, easy-to-read interface, reducing the cognitive burden associated with map reading. GPS also served to reduce the cognitive load while traveling, particularly in unfamiliar areas and when recovering from navigational errors.
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- The address information is for the authors that have a + after their name.
- Authors who are presenting talks have a * after their name.
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