Evaluating curvature as a subdivision of the shape visual variable for multivariate mapping

This study aims to evaluate the usability of curvature as a subdivision of the shape visual variable for multivariate mapping. The study conducted eye-tracking experiments and questionnaires to compare the performance of three multivariate map design solutions (curvature, value-size, hue-size, called CU, V-S, H-S, separately) on different symbol types (point, line, area). The study used the Tobii Pro X3-120 desktop eye tracker to collect metrics such as fixations, saccades, time to first fixation, change in pupil diameter, and blink frequency. At the same time, subjective usability scores were collected through questionnaires. Due to ethical considerations and privacy protection, only summarized eye-tracking and rating data are shared.