Abstract

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In Vehicle Entertainment: Bringing Geographic Information to the Masses
Track: Telecommunications & Location-Based Services
Author(s): Ryan Gandy, Michael Meitner

GIS geeks from all walks of life can be found in labs, classrooms and workplaces, deriving enjoyment from interacting with geographic data. While we agree that there are few activities more enjoyable, this activity seldom conjures pictures of fun, relaxation or entertainment with members of the general public. In a bid to change this preconception, we have developed a laboratory prototype of an Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) that uses GIS and geographic data for the sole purpose of entertainment. This paper discusses the construction of the laboratory prototype and the experiments conducted to quantify some of the interesting perceptual effects the system has had on human subjects' driving experiences. Our system was found to elevate the enjoyment of the drive, especially along "boring" stretches of road characterized by low levels of scenic beauty, and offers hope that the joy interacting with geographic data might be realized by the masses.

Ryan Gandy
University of British Columbia
Forest Resources Management
2045-2424 Main Mall
Vancouver , BC V6T1Z4
CA
Phone: (604) 822-6708
E-mail: gandy@interchange.ubc.ca

Michael Meitner
University of British Columbia
2045-2424 Main Mall
Vancouver , BC V6T 1Z4
CA
Phone: (604) 822-0029
E-mail: mike.meitner@ubc.ca