Developing Visualizations to support Spatial-Temporal Reasoning in ATC

In this paper we present research into the development of display visualizations to support spatial-temporal reasoning in real-time air traffic control tasks. We refer to such displays as 4D displays, incorporating both visualizations of 3D space and time. This work is based on ethnographic observation studies, contextual inquiry-type studies, as well as in-depth cognitive task analyses, of air traffic controllers in two different ATC domains: a tower control room and a terminal area control centre. Guided by human factors principles, we identified a number of visualization display requirements and a framework for considering the ATC controller's spatial-temporal reasoning needs. We then applied an iterative approach to the design of candidate visualization prototypes, to demonstrate how temporal decision requirements can be included in spatial representations, and how such 4D spatial-temporal representations can be embedded within the familiar 2D Plan Picture Indicator type of radar display. The designs were guided by human factors principles such as Ecological Interface Design.