Workflow and tools to track and visualize behavioural data from a Virtual Reality environment using a lightweight GIS

Abstract

[EN] Evaluating user behaviour in Virtual Reality is a challenge for every re-searcher involved in designing and executing experiments in immersive envi-ronments. Behavioural information could lead to relevant findings in pres-ence, engagement or, for example, the mood of the player during a VR ex-perience. Saving this kind of information and exploding it in an appropriateway could lead researchers or even game designers to identify relevant be-havioural patterns or correlations. In this article, we are proposing a simple,replicable workflow and a set of scripted tools in order to acquire user¿s navi-gational data and visualize it using the inherent capabilities of a GeographicInformation System. Our workflow goes from data acquisition in Unity3Dwith C to the final representation in a map using Leaflet, an open-sourceGIS JavaScript based, passing through the pre-processing of XML files. Us-ing a GIS to visualize navigational data is a flexible, ecological and effectivesolution that improves productivity and awareness on data storytelling ca-pabilities.