Today we see a huge increase of the use of geo-information in mobile
devices. All current solutions are based on static copies that are
stored on the mobile device. This makes dynamically adapting the map to
new information and to the changing circumstances of the user
impossible. With the availability of high bandwidth wireless connections
(such as UMTS) better, more dynamic, solutions are possible: The server
generates a proper, up-to-date map of the region of interest at the
right level of detail for display and adjusted to the needs of the user.
For a mass market (consumers of mobile maps) the human factors aspect is
very important. The currently available mobile maps solutions still have
insufficient user-interfaces. Extremely important is the issue of
context as the user gets ‘lost’ very easily on the small mobile displays
when zooming and panning. Based on a selection of use cases (navigation,
tourist support, etc.), User-Centered Design techniques will be applied
to develop small prototypes / simulations and the interaction and the
quality of the maps in these prototypes / simulations will be evaluated.
The project runs from 2006 to 2008 and is organized in the following work packages:
WP 1 ‘Preparation’ (month 4-9, 2006)
WP 2 ‘Prototype development’ (month 10, 2006 – month 6, 2007)
WP 3 ‘Evaluation of first prototypes’ (month 7-12, 2007)
WP 4 ‘Improved prototypes’ (month 1-6, 2008)
WP 5 ‘Evaluation of improved prototypes’ (month 7-12, 2008)
Contactpersoon Peter van Oosterom
go to Usable Mobile Maps site
