Perceived Scale Accuracy of Computer Visual Simulations

Abstract

This research addresses the issue of scale accuracy for computer visual simulations of environmental projects. The hypothesis is that scale accuracy ranges can be identified that are perceptually equivalent to absolute accuracy for specific project types. Study variables were images of a water pipeline and a rural highway. These two project types are often the subject of federally mandated environmental impact statements. A student respondent group evaluated randomly displayed slides of computer visual simulations (16 per project type), which were scale inaccurate in 3 percent increments (-24 percent to +24 percent). Each set of l6 computer visual simulations was developed from one accurate base image for each of the two project types, yielding 32 total computer visual simulations plus two base images. Respondents judged the accuracy of the 16 simulations compared with the known accurate base image for each project type. Statistical analysis revealed an imperceptible scale inaccuracy range between +15 percent to -15 percent for the rural highway image and +9 percent to -6 percent for the water pipeline image. Implications of the findings for professional application of computer visual simulations and directions for further research are discussed.