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.本研究旨在评估曲率作为形状视觉变量细分项在多变量地图制图中的可用性。研究通过眼动追踪实验与问卷调查，对比三种多变量地图设计方案（分别记为CU、V-S、H-S，对应曲率、数值-尺寸、色相-尺寸）在不同符号类型（点状、线状、面状）下的表现。本研究采用Tobii Pro X3-120桌面式眼动仪采集注视点、眼跳、首次注视潜伏期、瞳孔直径变化量及眨眼频率等指标；同时通过问卷调查收集主观可用性评分。出于伦理考量与隐私保护，本研究仅共享汇总后的眼动追踪数据与评分数据。