Visualization and interaction on flight trajectory in a 3D stereoscopic environment

This paper describes the design of visualizations and interactions within a multidisciplinary framework for the empirical analysis of the applicability of three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic visualization in Air Traffic Control (ATC). This framework takes into consideration three major components: the design of visualization interfaces, the design of interactivities, and the associated human factors. Flight trajectory is selected as the preliminary subject for analysing. This paper analyzes different ways to model waypoints, flight trajectories and diverse techniques to select, to position waypoints in a 3D stereoscopic environment. We discuss using the polynomial curve for representing 3D flight trajectory. Basing on the analysis of interaction with waypoint, we also propose two new metaphors for selecting objects, various selection and positioning techniques in 3D environment. An experimental approach is also considered to evaluate the performance of different models of flight trajectory and interaction techniques in the end of this paper.