Work

Augmented urban models: Investigating how data layout and link to the physical referent impact visual search in augmented reality

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Recent studies in situated augmented reality have explored interactive urban physical 3D models providing a physical anchor and context to data analysis. See-through Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) enhance these models by displaying virtual data around the buildings. However, the optimal positioning of multiple information relative to the physical referents is crucial yet has barely been explored. In this paper, we focus on arranging multiple data windows around a district model and present a design space describing the window layouts and linking techniques between the virtual data and its physical referent. We conduct three studies to evaluate these design dimensions for two fundamental visual search tasks: finding a data window for a given physical referent, and vice-versa. Our results reveal novel findings on the best combinations of window layout and link in terms of performance, mental workload and user preference. Finally, we propose a set of design guidelines for presenting situated immersive data around a physical urban model.

Source: International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2025.103556

Authors: Mohamed Reda Benkhelifa, Emmanuel Dubois, Louis-Pierre Bergé, Marcos Serrano

Institutions: Institut de Recherche en Informatique de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives

Language: English

Topic: Augmented Reality Applications

Subfield: Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,510