Interactions with a Hybrid Map for Navigation Information Visualization in Virtual Reality

This work suggests an interactive navigation aid in Virtual Reality using a head-mounted display (HMD). It offers a hybrid map which is a 2D map enriched with high-quality 3D models of landmarks. Hence, in addition to the information presented on the 2D map (street layout), we represented 3D models of buildings with particular shapes that could be used as reference points for map alignment or route following. We also implemented real-time interactions with the hybrid map to allow users to display additional information according to their preferences and needs. As digital maps on smartphones are commonly used in daily life, we offered interactions with the map through a smartphone interface. Interactions using Oculus Hand controllers were also implemented. We assumed that interactions could be more intuitive and natural with the smartphone. In the future, a study will be conducted to compare interaction performance with the map using each device and identify relevant information for maps.