Cognitive Research

3-Dimensionality

Transforming a 2 dimensional image into a 3-dimensional reality is challenging mental work requiring spatial visualization skills. Although graphic techniques like relief shading, or 3D glasses can provide a 3D experience to 2D representations of the Earth's topography, new visualization tools such as 3-dimensional interactive "fly-throughs" offer a palpable sense of 3-dimensionality. Of central concern is how can visualization tools that provide a "life-like " experience of 3 dimensional terrain support learning about surface topography and its relationship to atmosphere?

Findings: Nadir views mask the three-dimensional nature of the features in images, so students had difficulty perceiving the mountains and valleys in nadir images. However, oblique views and visualizations which use computer manipulations to depict (and even exaggerate) height make the three-dimensionality more salient for students who are developing their grasp of complex land/atmosphere relationships.