Unobtrusive map navigation using eye tracking

Virtual maps technology is one of many innovations of the past decade. Currently navigation with such maps is generally performed using keyboard and mouse inputs. For improved human social communication, there is a need for more effective and unobtrusive navigation methods. In this paper, we adopt a human-centric approach to reinvent the way in which users interact with virtual maps. The proposed approach allows the system to observe the human operator´s viewing behavior and provide an uninterrupted navigation environment. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated for 2D maps. The results are promising and require further investigation for the method´s applicability to 3D maps.