Comparison of Variable Coded Symbology to a Conventional Tactical Situation Display Method

Abstract

Visual search performance was compared using three variable coded symbology (VCS) methods, which included a mixture of symbol colors and/or shapes on the same tactical situation display, to a single color-coded tactical symbol set. Six participants completed two replications of 12 trials using each method on a combined total of 336 targets. Half the sample viewed visually prominent air targets in VCS methods administered in the first session, with sea surface targets prominent in VCS methods in the second session; the converse for the other half. Performance measures included throughput-an estimate of correct target hits per working minute, and elapsed time to enter selected targets into an on-screen list box. Superior throughput was demonstrated for a VCS method that combined three symbol coding levels on the same display. Performance was generally poorest for a VCS method combining color and monochrome formats within the same symbol set. Practical implications of these findings are discussed.

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