xiii, 103 p. : ill. (some col.) / This research investigates the relationship between map use tasks, spatial abilities and training-based effects in persons who are blind or visually impaired. A mixed-method approach using theories and methods in behavioral geography, tactile cartography and functional magnetic resonance imaging have produced finds that identify both behaviorally-based as well as biologically-based impacts resulting from systematic tactile map use and spatial thinking training. The neurological results indicate that prior to training a dominant egocentric/route strategy is used to answer all experimental map tasks, while after training an allocentric/survey strategy is used. The current study demonstrates that the adoption of an allocentric perspective is coupled with improved behavioral performance. The findings provide supporting evidence that people who are blind are capable of learning and applying sophisticated spatial strategies. The systematic progression from egocentric/route processing to allocentric/survey processing in the participant population follows traditional developmental models of spatial knowledge. / Committee in charge: Amy Lobben, Chairperson; Andrew Marcus, Member; Patrick Bartlein, Member; Michal Young, Outside Member

Three-dimensional graphicacy is the part of map work that appears to be the most problematIcal. Bartz (1970) says that thinking and visualising in three-dimensional space is difficult enough, but trying to derive notions in three-dimensions, when you have only seen them as they are represented in distorted two-dimensional fashion, is even more difficult. Yet pupils of geography are required to learn such three-dimensional concepts from the two-dimensional distorted map presentations. The geography teacher has an important educational role to play in promoting graphicacy and Balchin (1965), who coined the term, felt that it should be an essential underpinning of an integrated education. The problem is that children perform badly, teachers are not successfully imparting three-dimensional graphicacy skills and as Board and Taylor (1977) indicate, for some time now it has been fashionable to dismiss maps as being irrelevant or useless in geographical research. This thesis attempts to analyse this reported malady, the problems are exposed and solutions offered. Investigation of the literature, with the aim of clarifying the problems involved, follows four leads. These are the part played by the map as a mode of communication, the physical processes involved in mapwork revealed by work in the realm of neurophysiology, the process of visualisation in the field of perception and psychology, and finally the stage of conceptual development of the mapworker. The state of affairs in South Africa is disclosed by an analysis of teacher-directed literature, of examination syllabuses, of text-book treatment of three-dimensional mapwork in South Africa and overseas, of past examination questions, and finally of teachers' views. Experimental exercises have been executed in an attempt to link the key findings of published research to the local scene. Conclusions are then drawn, and recommendations made for improving three-dimensional graphicacy in South African secondary schools.

published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

This thesis is about teaching and learning in way finding and map reading. The aim of the study is to investigate children’s ability to perceive the relationship between objects in the nature and map symbols in order to make a positioning. The aim is also to investigate what teaching might facilitate this ability. The study sets out to identify critical features related to the object of learning, that might constitute learning obstacles or problems, and then to discuss possible teaching methods to overcome these problems. The method used is a school based physical education intervention study de-rived from Learning Study principles. In a Learning Study, teachers collaborate in an iterative process to explore their students learning. The students’ ways of perceiving the object of learning is analysed through a phenomenographic ap-proach and the variation theory is used for planning and analysing the studied lessons. Three lessons were videotaped and field notes were taken along with some interviews. The sample consisted of three groups of ten-year-old pupils (n=53) and six teachers. Four critical features of the learning object were identified in the study: a) to perceive objects in nature and understand how these can be represented on the map: b) to perceive objects in nature to make a positioning on the map: c) to perceive objects in nature and its location to make a positioning in relation to the previous positioning and d) to perceive relationships between objects in nature and symbols on the map and take these into account when describing position. The study shows how children’s ability to perceive objects in the nature and map symbols to make a positioning can be improved when they have the possi-bility to discern the critical features in different ways. In conclusion, that what was taught seemed to be reflected in what the pupils learned. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that it is not sufficient merely to name the critical features to the pupils, instead they must be possible to be discerned by the pupils in order for learning to take place. A final reflection is that the theoretical framework used, variation theory, is a powerful tool for analysing lessons that contributed to the analysis of teaching and learning. / <p>Forskarstuderande Kerstin Nilsson har ingått i <em>Forskarskolan idrott och hälsas didaktik </em>(FIHD), en forskarskola som ingått i statens satsning på forskarutbildning av förskollärare och lärare. Satsningen beslutades våren 2011 och har varit ett led i att kompetenshöja verksamma lärare och, i förlängningen, stärka elevernas kunskaper. Forskarskolan har bedrivits som ett samarbetsprojekt mellan Gymnastik- och idrottshögskolan, Örebro universitet och Malmö högskola. Totalt har 15 forskarstuderande ingått i FIHD, och varje lärosäte har ansvarat för fem forskarstuderande var. Centrala mål för forskarskolan har varit att utgöra ett nav för ämnesdidaktisk kunskapsutveckling av ämnet idrott och hälsa, och att bidra till att bygga upp skolämnet idrott och hälsas didaktiska kunskapsbas med hjälp av praktiknära forskningsansatser.</p> / Forskningslinjen Utbildning

Autostereoskopische Monitore ermöglichen das spontane dreidimensionale Betrachten des gezeigten Inhaltes, ohne dass zusätzliche Betrachtungshilfen notwendig sind. Eine solche räumliche Wahrnehmung kann auch für die Kartographie vielfaltige neue Visualisierungsmöglichkeiten bieten. Allerdings wurden dafür bisher kaum Gestaltungsregeln formuliert. Gerade das ist aber notwendig, um das Potential dieser 3D-Monitore richtig nutzen zu können. Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit der Gestaltung kartographischer Inhalte auf autostereoskopischen Monitoren und soll damit einen Beitrag leisten, solche Monitore in naher Zukunft optimal für kartographische Zwecke einsetzen zu können. Nach der Beschreibung des Forschungsstandes hinsichtlich 3D-Visualisierungstechniken und Minimaldimensionen kartographischer Inhalte an Monitoren behandelt die vorliegende Arbeit zwei empirische Untersuchungen. Im ersten Teil werden verschiedene graphische Elemente hinsichtlich ihrer Mindestgröße untersucht. Angelehnt an bereits vorhandene Empfehlungen für 2D-Monitore sowie Untersuchungen an gedruckten Lentikulardisplays werden Schrift, Linien und einfache Zeichen verschiedener Größe bzw. Strichstarke bezüglich ihrer Lesbarkeit an einem Lentikularmonitor getestet. Um eine Mindestgröße sinnvoll festzulegen, soll hierbei das Kriterium erfüllt sein, dass 90 % der Befragten die gezeigten Wörter, Linien bzw. Zeichen in mindestens dieser Größe lesen konnten. Neben den Mindestgrößen wird in dieser ersten Studie zudem die Erkennbarkeit und Unterscheidbarkeit von verschiedenen Tiefenebenen untersucht. Anhand von Positionssignaturen, die sich blockweise in unterschiedlichem Abstand zum Betrachter befinden, d.h. in verschiedenen Tiefenebenen liegen, wird ermittelt, ob und wie gut eine Unterscheidung dieser Ebenen möglich ist. Insgesamt werden in dieser ersten Studie neun Hypothesenpaare überprüft. Die zweite empirische Untersuchung, die in dieser Arbeit vorgestellt wird, befasst sich mit der Wahrnehmungsleistung in thematischen Karten an 2D-Monitoren und an 3D-Monitoren. Anhand von einfach gestalteten thematischen Karten werden die Antwortzeit und die Antwortgenauigkeit bei der Lösung einfacher Aufgaben analysiert. Getestet wird an dem gleichen Monitor, der bereits für die Untersuchung zu den Minimaldimensionen genutzt wurde und vergleichend dazu an einem ähnlich großen 2D-Monitor. In dieser zweiten Studie werden zwei Hypothesenpaare überprüft. Darüber hinaus werden die Ergebnisse mit einer parallel am Geografischen Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum stattgefundenen Studie verglichen. Die Projektpartner testeten unter sehr ähnlichen Bedingungen einen zweiten Lentikularmonitor. Anhand des Vergleichs beider Studien werden erste Schlussfolgerungen gezogen, die für eine Gestaltung kartographischer Inhalte an Lentikularmonitoren im Allgemeinen gültig sind. Die Ergebnisse der ersten Untersuchung zeigen, dass die Minimaldimensionen von Schrift, Linien und einfachen Zeichen am untersuchten 3D-Monitor weniger stark von den Empfehlungen für normale 2D-Monitore abweichen als im Vorfeld vermutet wurde. Bei der zweiten Studie hingegen lässt sich anhand der untersuchten thematischen Karte hinsichtlich der Wahrnehmungsleistung schlussfolgern, dass eine Visualisierung am 3D-Monitor zwar keine Verbesserung der Antwortgenauigkeit bewirkt, wohl aber eine deutliche Reduzierung der Antwortdauer. In der zweiten empirischen Untersuchung liegen Daten zu weiteren Testkarten vor, die die in dieser Arbeit vorgestellten Ergebnisse verifizieren konnten. In weiterer Analysearbeit sollen diese Erkenntnisse in naher Zukunft zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Darüber hinaus wird empfohlen, die Untersuchungen auf verschiedene 3D-Monitore auszuweiten, um eine Allgemeingültigkeit der ermittelten Erkenntnisse verifizieren zu können bzw. um detailliertere Empfehlungen zur Gestaltung thematischer Inhalte auf 3D-Monitoren geben zu können. / Autostereoscopic monitors allow spontaneous three-dimensional perception of the visualised content without the need of any additional viewing aids. Such a kind of spatial perception can also allow multiple new visualisation options in the field of cartography. So far, there are hardly any rules given for an optimal design of such cartographic visualisations. But, this is essential in order to use the potential of these 3D monitors correctly. Therefore, this work deals with the design of cartographic content on autostereoscopic monitors. Thus, it shall contribute to an optimal use of such a monitor for cartographic purposes in the near future. After describing the state of research regarding 3D visualisation techniques and minimum dimensions of cartographic content on monitors in general, the present work discusses two empirical studies. In the first study, several graphic elements are analysed regarding their minimal legible size. Some lettering, lines and simple symbols are tested regarding their legibility on a monitor which uses the lenticular foil technology. The test patterns are based on existing recommendations for 2D monitors and studies on printed lenticular foil displays. A simple rule was chosen to be able to specify minimum sizes for the tested elements: at least 90 % of the test persons have been able to read the test words, lines or symbols in this size. Furthermore, the first study investigated the ability to differentiate several depth planes. With the help of point symbol blocks which are located in different distances to the viewer, i.e. which are located in different depth planes, it is examined if the participants can differentiate these planes easily. Altogether, nine pairs of hypotheses are analysed during this study. The second empirical study which is presented in this work, deals with the map reading performance in thematic maps visualised on 2D monitors and on 3D monitors. Using thematic maps of simple design the response time and response accuracy are analysed for solving simple map reading tasks. The used 3D monitor was the same as for the first study. Further, the same questions were asked for the thematic maps shown on a normal 2D monitor with nearly the same size as the 3D monitor. In this second study two pairs of hypotheses are analysed. Moreover, the findings are compared with a similar study which was conducted at the Geographic Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum. The project partners tested the thematic maps on a second lenticular monitor under very similar conditions. Based on a comparison of both studies an attempt will be made to draw some conclusions that are generally valid for a design of cartographic content on lenticular monitors. The results of the first study show that for the examined 3D monitor the minimum dimensions of lettering, lines and simple symbols differ less from the recommendations for normal 2D monitors than assumed before the studies. The findings of the second study for map reading efficiency on thematic maps show that the visualisation on a 3D monitor reduces the response time of the questions. However, the correctness of the answers does not improve between the 2D monitor and the 3D monitor. In the second empirical study data of more test maps than used in this work is available. It shall be used in further analyses for trying to verify the results presented here. In addition, it is recommended to extend the studies on different 3D monitors to verify a general applicability of the findings or to give more detailed recommendations for the design of thematic content on 3D monitors.

Autostereoskopische Monitore ermöglichen das spontane dreidimensionale Betrachten des gezeigten Inhaltes, ohne dass zusätzliche Betrachtungshilfen notwendig sind. Eine solche räumliche Wahrnehmung kann auch für die Kartographie vielfaltige neue Visualisierungsmöglichkeiten bieten. Allerdings wurden dafür bisher kaum Gestaltungsregeln formuliert. Gerade das ist aber notwendig, um das Potential dieser 3D-Monitore richtig nutzen zu können. Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit der Gestaltung kartographischer Inhalte auf autostereoskopischen Monitoren und soll damit einen Beitrag leisten, solche Monitore in naher Zukunft optimal für kartographische Zwecke einsetzen zu können. Nach der Beschreibung des Forschungsstandes hinsichtlich 3D-Visualisierungstechniken und Minimaldimensionen kartographischer Inhalte an Monitoren behandelt die vorliegende Arbeit zwei empirische Untersuchungen. Im ersten Teil werden verschiedene graphische Elemente hinsichtlich ihrer Mindestgröße untersucht. Angelehnt an bereits vorhandene Empfehlungen für 2D-Monitore sowie Untersuchungen an gedruckten Lentikulardisplays werden Schrift, Linien und einfache Zeichen verschiedener Größe bzw. Strichstarke bezüglich ihrer Lesbarkeit an einem Lentikularmonitor getestet. Um eine Mindestgröße sinnvoll festzulegen, soll hierbei das Kriterium erfüllt sein, dass 90 % der Befragten die gezeigten Wörter, Linien bzw. Zeichen in mindestens dieser Größe lesen konnten. Neben den Mindestgrößen wird in dieser ersten Studie zudem die Erkennbarkeit und Unterscheidbarkeit von verschiedenen Tiefenebenen untersucht. Anhand von Positionssignaturen, die sich blockweise in unterschiedlichem Abstand zum Betrachter befinden, d.h. in verschiedenen Tiefenebenen liegen, wird ermittelt, ob und wie gut eine Unterscheidung dieser Ebenen möglich ist. Insgesamt werden in dieser ersten Studie neun Hypothesenpaare überprüft. Die zweite empirische Untersuchung, die in dieser Arbeit vorgestellt wird, befasst sich mit der Wahrnehmungsleistung in thematischen Karten an 2D-Monitoren und an 3D-Monitoren. Anhand von einfach gestalteten thematischen Karten werden die Antwortzeit und die Antwortgenauigkeit bei der Lösung einfacher Aufgaben analysiert. Getestet wird an dem gleichen Monitor, der bereits für die Untersuchung zu den Minimaldimensionen genutzt wurde und vergleichend dazu an einem ähnlich großen 2D-Monitor. In dieser zweiten Studie werden zwei Hypothesenpaare überprüft. Darüber hinaus werden die Ergebnisse mit einer parallel am Geografischen Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum stattgefundenen Studie verglichen. Die Projektpartner testeten unter sehr ähnlichen Bedingungen einen zweiten Lentikularmonitor. Anhand des Vergleichs beider Studien werden erste Schlussfolgerungen gezogen, die für eine Gestaltung kartographischer Inhalte an Lentikularmonitoren im Allgemeinen gültig sind. Die Ergebnisse der ersten Untersuchung zeigen, dass die Minimaldimensionen von Schrift, Linien und einfachen Zeichen am untersuchten 3D-Monitor weniger stark von den Empfehlungen für normale 2D-Monitore abweichen als im Vorfeld vermutet wurde. Bei der zweiten Studie hingegen lässt sich anhand der untersuchten thematischen Karte hinsichtlich der Wahrnehmungsleistung schlussfolgern, dass eine Visualisierung am 3D-Monitor zwar keine Verbesserung der Antwortgenauigkeit bewirkt, wohl aber eine deutliche Reduzierung der Antwortdauer. In der zweiten empirischen Untersuchung liegen Daten zu weiteren Testkarten vor, die die in dieser Arbeit vorgestellten Ergebnisse verifizieren konnten. In weiterer Analysearbeit sollen diese Erkenntnisse in naher Zukunft zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Darüber hinaus wird empfohlen, die Untersuchungen auf verschiedene 3D-Monitore auszuweiten, um eine Allgemeingültigkeit der ermittelten Erkenntnisse verifizieren zu können bzw. um detailliertere Empfehlungen zur Gestaltung thematischer Inhalte auf 3D-Monitoren geben zu können. / Autostereoscopic monitors allow spontaneous three-dimensional perception of the visualised content without the need of any additional viewing aids. Such a kind of spatial perception can also allow multiple new visualisation options in the field of cartography. So far, there are hardly any rules given for an optimal design of such cartographic visualisations. But, this is essential in order to use the potential of these 3D monitors correctly. Therefore, this work deals with the design of cartographic content on autostereoscopic monitors. Thus, it shall contribute to an optimal use of such a monitor for cartographic purposes in the near future. After describing the state of research regarding 3D visualisation techniques and minimum dimensions of cartographic content on monitors in general, the present work discusses two empirical studies. In the first study, several graphic elements are analysed regarding their minimal legible size. Some lettering, lines and simple symbols are tested regarding their legibility on a monitor which uses the lenticular foil technology. The test patterns are based on existing recommendations for 2D monitors and studies on printed lenticular foil displays. A simple rule was chosen to be able to specify minimum sizes for the tested elements: at least 90 % of the test persons have been able to read the test words, lines or symbols in this size. Furthermore, the first study investigated the ability to differentiate several depth planes. With the help of point symbol blocks which are located in different distances to the viewer, i.e. which are located in different depth planes, it is examined if the participants can differentiate these planes easily. Altogether, nine pairs of hypotheses are analysed during this study. The second empirical study which is presented in this work, deals with the map reading performance in thematic maps visualised on 2D monitors and on 3D monitors. Using thematic maps of simple design the response time and response accuracy are analysed for solving simple map reading tasks. The used 3D monitor was the same as for the first study. Further, the same questions were asked for the thematic maps shown on a normal 2D monitor with nearly the same size as the 3D monitor. In this second study two pairs of hypotheses are analysed. Moreover, the findings are compared with a similar study which was conducted at the Geographic Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum. The project partners tested the thematic maps on a second lenticular monitor under very similar conditions. Based on a comparison of both studies an attempt will be made to draw some conclusions that are generally valid for a design of cartographic content on lenticular monitors. The results of the first study show that for the examined 3D monitor the minimum dimensions of lettering, lines and simple symbols differ less from the recommendations for normal 2D monitors than assumed before the studies. The findings of the second study for map reading efficiency on thematic maps show that the visualisation on a 3D monitor reduces the response time of the questions. However, the correctness of the answers does not improve between the 2D monitor and the 3D monitor. In the second empirical study data of more test maps than used in this work is available. It shall be used in further analyses for trying to verify the results presented here. In addition, it is recommended to extend the studies on different 3D monitors to verify a general applicability of the findings or to give more detailed recommendations for the design of thematic content on 3D monitors.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The primary objective of the South African National Defence force is the protection of its citizens against external threats. The nature of the work, especially in operational situations, very often causes members of the SANDF to work in remote and unknown territory. The SANDF is composed of different units such as the army, air force and navy. All of these units typically control a specific aspect of the environment, especially in operational situations, and is very often also geographically spread over a large area. The battle commander would typically be in charge of all these units and must direct and control them efficiently towards achieving their assigned mission. In order to be an effective battle commander, the commander must thus be able to understand the terrain that his/her units are operating in, and maps are often the only information to base such understanding on. Map use is thus a critical success factor in effective battle command, and also for every member of the units navigating the often unknown terrain. The aim of the study is to conduct an investigation into the status quo of map use proficiency in the military, and specifically the South African National Army. The investigation comprises the following: • To conducting a detailed task analysis into map use in a military context, in order to establish specific map use functions and related skills regarded as critical in the military context. • The development of a proficiency test, taking the form of a questionnaire, based on the skills identified in the task analysis. Comparing the results of the questionnaire with map use skills identified in the task analysis, to determine the level of map use proficiency in military context. The secondary aims of the study comprise the following: • To investigate the level of map use training and determine if a need exists in term of additional map use training in the military, based on subjective opinions. • To investigate the level of computer literacy and the need for formal computer training in the military context. The key conclusions of the study are the following: • A gap between optimal and actual performance has been identified in terms of map use in the military context. • This gap can largely be attributed to insufficient structures and processes within the military context to facilitate effective map use. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die primêre doel van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag is om die burgers van die land te beskerm teen eksterne gevare. Die aard van die werk veroorsaak dat soldate, tydens operasionele toestande, dikwels na onbekende en vreemde areas verplaas ten einde bogenoemde primêre doel te bereik. Die weermag bestaan tipies uit verskillende eenhede, wat elk gefokus is op die verrigting van spesifieke funksies, en dikwels geografies wyd versprei is. In gesamentlike operasies, is die operasie bevelvoerder tipies in beheer van die verskillende eenhede en moet hy toesien dat hul bewegings gekoordineer is ter bereiking van hul doel. Die operasie bevelvoerder, ten einde die doelwit effektief te bereik, moet in staat wees om die terrein waar die verskillende eenhede beweeg te ontleed, en effektief tot doelbereiking kan benut. Kaarte is een van die primêre bronne van inligting, ten einde die terrein te ontleed om dit sodoende tot voordeel te kan gebruik. Effektiewe gebruik van kaarte is dus 'n kritieke faktor wat bydra tot die sukses van die operasie bevelvoerder, asook vir feitlik elke lid binne die verskillende eenhede wat deur dikwels onbekende terrein moet navigeer. Die doelwitte van die studie is om 'n ondersoek in te stel na die status quo met betrekking tot kaart-gebruiksvaardigheid in die Suid Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag. Die studie behels die volgende: • 'n Omvattende taak-analise ten opsigte van die gebruik van kaarte in die militêre konteks, om sodoende spesifieke funksies en verwante vaardighede te identifiseer wat as kritiek vir die militêr beskou word. • Om 'n vaardigheidstoets in 'n vraelys te inkorporeer, gebaseer op bogenoemde geïdentifiseerde kaart-gebruiksvaardighede. • Om die resultate van die vaardigheids-toets te vergelyk met dié geïdentifiseer in die taak-analise, om sodoende die vlak van kaartgebruiksvaardighede te bepaal in die militêre konteks. Die sekondêre doelwitte behels die volgende: • 'n Ondersoek na die vlak van kaart-gebruiksopleiding en om te bepaal of 'n behoefte bestaan na verdere kaart-gebruiksopleiding, gebaseer op subjektiewe opinies. • 'n Ondersoek na die vlak van rekenaargeletterdheid, en die behoefte aan rekenaar-opleiding. Die afleidings wat uit die studie gemaak kan word is die volgende: • daar bestaan 'n prestasie-gaping tussen optimale and werklike prestasie met betrekking tot die gebruik van kaarte in die militêre konteks, en • hierdie gaping kan grootliks toegeskryf word aan onvoldoende strukture binne die miliêre konteks, wat nie kaart-gebruiksvaardighede fasiliteer nie.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The primary objective of the South African National Defence force is the protection of its citizens against external threats. The nature of the work, especially in operational situations, very often causes members of the SANDF to work in remote and unknown territory. The SANDF is composed of different units such as the army, air force and navy. All of these units typically control a specific aspect of the environment, especially in operational situations, and is very often also geographically spread over a large area. The battle commander would typically be in charge of all these units and must direct and control them efficiently towards achieving their assigned mission. In order to be an effective battle commander, the commander must thus be able to understand the terrain that his/her units are operating in, and maps are often the only information to base such understanding on. Map use is thus a critical success factor in effective battle command, and also for every member of the units navigating the often unknown terrain. The aim of the study is to conduct an investigation into the status quo of map use proficiency in the military, and specifically the South African National Army. The investigation comprises the following: • To conducting a detailed task analysis into map use in a military context, in order to establish specific map use functions and related skills regarded as critical in the military context. • The development of a proficiency test, taking the form of a questionnaire, based on the skills identified in the task analysis. Comparing the results of the questionnaire with map use skills identified in the task analysis, to determine the level of map use proficiency in military context. The secondary aims of the study comprise the following: • To investigate the level of map use training and determine if a need exists in term of additional map use training in the military, based on subjective opinions. • To investigate the level of computer literacy and the need for formal computer training in the military context. The key conclusions of the study are the following: • A gap between optimal and actual performance has been identified in terms of map use in the military context. • This gap can largely be attributed to insufficient structures and processes within the military context to facilitate effective map use. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die primêre doel van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag is om die burgers van die land te beskerm teen eksterne gevare. Die aard van die werk veroorsaak dat soldate, tydens operasionele toestande, dikwels na onbekende en vreemde areas verplaas ten einde bogenoemde primêre doel te bereik. Die weermag bestaan tipies uit verskillende eenhede, wat elk gefokus is op die verrigting van spesifieke funksies, en dikwels geografies wyd versprei is. In gesamentlike operasies, is die operasie bevelvoerder tipies in beheer van die verskillende eenhede en moet hy toesien dat hul bewegings gekoordineer is ter bereiking van hul doel. Die operasie bevelvoerder, ten einde die doelwit effektief te bereik, moet in staat wees om die terrein waar die verskillende eenhede beweeg te ontleed, en effektief tot doelbereiking kan benut. Kaarte is een van die primêre bronne van inligting, ten einde die terrein te ontleed om dit sodoende tot voordeel te kan gebruik. Effektiewe gebruik van kaarte is dus 'n kritieke faktor wat bydra tot die sukses van die operasie bevelvoerder, asook vir feitlik elke lid binne die verskillende eenhede wat deur dikwels onbekende terrein moet navigeer. Die doelwitte van die studie is om 'n ondersoek in te stel na die status quo met betrekking tot kaart-gebruiksvaardigheid in die Suid Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag. Die studie behels die volgende: • 'n Omvattende taak-analise ten opsigte van die gebruik van kaarte in die militêre konteks, om sodoende spesifieke funksies en verwante vaardighede te identifiseer wat as kritiek vir die militêr beskou word. • Om 'n vaardigheidstoets in 'n vraelys te inkorporeer, gebaseer op bogenoemde geïdentifiseerde kaart-gebruiksvaardighede. • Om die resultate van die vaardigheids-toets te vergelyk met dié geïdentifiseer in die taak-analise, om sodoende die vlak van kaartgebruiksvaardighede te bepaal in die militêre konteks. Die sekondêre doelwitte behels die volgende: • 'n Ondersoek na die vlak van kaart-gebruiksopleiding en om te bepaal of 'n behoefte bestaan na verdere kaart-gebruiksopleiding, gebaseer op subjektiewe opinies. • 'n Ondersoek na die vlak van rekenaargeletterdheid, en die behoefte aan rekenaar-opleiding. Die afleidings wat uit die studie gemaak kan word is die volgende: • daar bestaan 'n prestasie-gaping tussen optimale and werklike prestasie met betrekking tot die gebruik van kaarte in die militêre konteks, en • hierdie gaping kan grootliks toegeskryf word aan onvoldoende strukture binne die miliêre konteks, wat nie kaart-gebruiksvaardighede fasiliteer nie.