Empirical analysis of the applicability of 3D stereoscopic in air traffic control

Our investigation aims at empirically uncovering the main implications derived from the adoption of a stereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) interface environment for Air Traffic Control, with particular attention to its applicability. The research approach deploys a multidisciplinary composed of three interrelated components: "Visualization", "Interaction" and "Human Factors". This paper describes the preliminary results of empirical studies conducted within the Interaction and the Human Factors components. A first study involved some Air Traffic Controllers and entailed their training with a special Interaction device. The main problems discovered and the solutions are presented. The second study entailed an empirical experimentation comparing human performance in two-dimensional (2D) and 3D environments, with respect to the task of allocation of sector's traffic. This experimentation involved fourteen formerly operational subjects and entailed the judgment of air traffic flight level. The results show that the performance in response time was better with 3D stereoscopic displays.