Using Virtual Reality Technique to Enhance Experience of Exploring 3D Trajectory Visualizations

Abstract

Trajectory data visualizations are usually 3-Dimensional. Due to the potential cluttering and occlusion problems, slow speed and poor interactivity as well as the influence of perspective to the effects of display, 3D visualization techniques have been controversial in the field of information visualization. To address these problems, this paper proposes a novel 3D trajectory visualization method employing the immersive virtual reality technology. Compared with the traditional 3D trajectory visualization methods, our method breaks the limitations of the traditional 2D display of 3D visualization, and engages users in a virtual world with optional perspective to observe 3D visualization without over-plotting. Through practical experiments, our work can reduce the over-plotting of 3D visualization results, and provide smooth transition between visualization views and interactions.