A comparative analysis of web-based GIS applications using usability metrics

Abdulmonim, Dhafer Abdulameer (2015) A comparative analysis of web-based GIS applications using usability metrics. Masters thesis, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.

[img] Text (Copyright Declaration)
DHAFER ABDULAMEER ABDULMONIM COPYRIGHT DECLARATION.pdf
Restricted to Repository staff only

Download (497kB) | Request a copy
[img]
Preview
Text (24 pages)
24p DHAFER ABDULAMEER ABDULMONIM.pdf

Download (1MB) | Preview
[img] Text (Full Text)
DHAFER ABDULAMEER ABDULMONIM WATERMARK.pdf
Restricted to Registered users only

Download (31MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

With the rapid expansion of the internet, Web-based Geographic Information System (WGIS) applications have gained popularity, despite the interface of the WGIS application being difficult to learn and understand because special functions are needed to manipulate the maps. Hence, it is essential to evaluate the usability of WGIS applications. Usability is an important factor in ensuring the development of quality, usable software products. On the other hand, there are a number of standards and models in the literature, each of which describes usability in terms of various set of attributes. These models are vague and difficult to understand. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to compare five common usability models (Shackel, Nielsen, ISO 9241 P-11, ISO 9126-1 and QUIM) to identify usability metrics that have most frequently used in the previous models. The questionnaire method and the automated usability evaluation method by using Loop11 tool were used, in order to evaluate the usability metrics for three case studies of commonly used WGIS applications as Google maps, Yahoo maps, and MapQuest. Finally, those case studies were compared and analysed based on usability metrics that have been identified. Based on a comparative study, four usability metrics (Effectiveness, Efficiency, Satisfaction and Learnability) were identified. Those usability metrics were characterized by consistent, comprehensive, not vaguely and proper to evaluate the usability of WGIS applications. In addition, there was a positive correlation between these usability metrics. The comparative analysis indicates that Effectiveness, Satisfaction and Learnability were higher, and the Efficiency was lesser by using the Loop11 tool compared to questionnaire method for the three case studies. In addition, Yahoo Maps and MapQuest have usability metrics rate lesser than Google Maps by applying two methods. Therefore, Google Maps is more usable compared to Yahoo Maps and MapQuest.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General)
Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA71-90 Instruments and machines
Divisions: Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology > Department of Software Engineering
Depositing User: Mrs. Nur Nadia Md. Jurimi
Date Deposited: 03 Oct 2021 06:17
Last Modified: 03 Oct 2021 06:17
URI: http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/id/eprint/1310

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item