Comparison of Detailed and Generalized Campus Maps Used with a Pocket Pc

Map services have been integrated with mobile device services to allow users to get information at any place and at any time. Simple maps for small mobile device screens are necessary. Map generalization is a method for producing less complicated maps with more desirable properties. For this study, I produced suitable maps for mobile device services. The study area for the map research is the Pennsylvania State University campus since a small area is well suited to mapping on mobile devices. Mapping algorithms for generalization were investigated first and map simplification functions of GIS programs were also examined. After making maps for the mobile device, the generalized maps were evaluated through usability tests. The study participants explored the original maps and the generalized maps with a pocket PC and carried out navigation tasks. They also evaluated whether the generalized or detailed maps were more useful for mobile devices.