Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
(b)
(a)
Figure 6.18
Composite VRML world of existing and lost heritage buildings in part of Melbourne
(Australia)
would not depend on developing techniques for model development. Therefore, to develop
a model for the entire Central Activities District would be a fairly straightforward operation
(Cartwright, 2006a). It will be evaluated to ascertain its usefulness for historians, architects
and the general public.
6.7 Testing the user's perception of space and place
As a multimedia installation of this type changes the way in which users access and use
geographical information, a simple evaluation technique is inappropriate. As well as gauging
the success of the use of the product, the ability of such a product to change the user's
viewpoint of geographical reality, and thus a particular view of space, needs to be assessed.
By using an interactive multimedia installation that encourages exploration in ways that
individual consumers feel most comfortable, a better (if not different) perception of the
worldisprovided.
This section provides information regarding evaluations that have been completed for:
the
GeoExploratorium
; and
the
Townsville GeoKnowledge
product.
6.7.1 GeoExploratorium
Questionnaires were sent to 17 reviewers. The reviewers were selected from the wider map-
ping sciences community and included a number of university professors who are involved
with both digital mapping and multimedia production, a map curator and a school teacher
who uses the Queenscliff area extensively for school projects with students. As with all ques-
tionnaires, problems with poor response rates usually eliminate the possibility for obtaining
credible results with small samples. However, this review received 11 responses, a 65 per
cent response rate.
A 'reviewer profile' was used to ascertain information about how the reviewers used
mapping products in their profession as teacher/lecturers, researchers, map curators or as
cartographers. They use a wide range of methods to produce maps: digital mapping packages,
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