Summary
The aim of diploma thesis was to evaluate an eye-tracking testing of various visual programming languages used in GIS in terms of the principles ,,The physics of notation” for cognitively effective visual notations. The main content was the application of the principles on selected VPL components, preparation, process and evaluation of eyetracking testing verbally and using statistical methods.
For the purpose of testing various visual programming languages in GIS, four VPL components were selected, namely Model Maker (ERDAS Imagine 2013), Macro Modeler (Idrisi 17.0 The Selva Edition) ModelBuilder (ArcGIS 10.1 for Desktop Advanced) and Workflow Designer (AutoCAD Map 3D 2014). In that order were also tested. These components are parts of the programmes, which are normally available in classrooms of Department of Geoinformatics Palacky University in Olomouc. Testing was attended by KGI students who had experiences with these VPL components. The first two components are not taught in any subject, therefore some basic introduction about graphical interface, creating diagrams and also several individual exercises was done.
The principles of physical dimension defined by Daniel L. Moody were applied on the four selected VPL components. In theory, each component was described in all nine principles of physical dimensions and it was at the same time assessed if the principles in selected VPL components are fullfill.
The results of eye-tracking tests were analyzed and evaluated verbally and using statistical methods. It confirms some claims which arose in the evaluation of VPL components in terms of the principles of physical dimensions. It is mainly physical discriminability of graphic symbols and overall visual expressiveness of the selected components.
Finally, a website about this diploma thesis was created, it's placed on the server of the Department of Geoinformatics and also a poster with the main results of the work was created. All data are stored on the DVD attached to this work.