Virtual Reality in Schools

The aim of the research project funded by the Ministry of School and Education NRW is to create interactive virtual reality environments and to evaluate their use in geography lessons.

The effect of landmark uncertainty in VGI-based maps: approaches to improve navigation performance (DFG priority Programme, SPP 1894)

Geodata collected and provided by volunteers (Volunteered Geographic Information), e.g. OpenStreetMap data, can show large differences in the accuracy of represented object positions.  Within the framework of the DFG-funded research program, we are investigating the effects of these varying imprecisions of geodata and possibly resulting uncertainties on spatial navigation. In controlled experiments, we quantify the extent to which uncertainties of landmarks represented in maps affect orientation and navigation performance. In addition, it will be investigated whether such impairments can be counteracted by explicitly representing landmark uncertainties in maps.

Curriculum 4.0 (Stiftverband and State of NRW)

The aim of the research projects funded by the Stifterverband and the state of NRW is to develop an innovativ methods module called “Geodata Processing” for the Master’s program. This module is intended to strengthen the curricular interlocking of the various specialisations of the Master’s program and to promote and align competences in the processing of geodata.

Spatial perception in virtual reality and augmented reality

In experimental studies, cartography investigates the potential of virtual reality applications for conveying spatial information. Special focus is placed on the detection and overcoming of systematic distortions in mental spatial models. Furthermore, workflows for the efficient creation of virtual spatial models based on available geodata are being developed