Virtual Prospecting in Paleontology Using a Drone-Based Orthomosaic Map: An Eye Movement Analysis

Abstract

Paleontological fieldwork is often a time-consuming process and resource intensive. With unexplored and remote areas, the satellite images, geology, and topography of an area are analyzed to help survey for a site. A drone-based orthomosaic map is suggested as an additional tool for virtual paleontology fossil prospecting. The use of an orthomosaic map was compared to the use of a typical satellite map when looking for fossil sites to prospect. Factors were chosen for their impact when prospecting for a fossil site and availability of data. Eye movement data were captured for a convenience sample of paleontologists from a local university. Each band within the satellite map measures 7741 × 7821 with a ground resolution of 30 m/pix, and the ground resolution of the orthomosaic map is 2.86 cm/pix with a resolution of 52,634 × 32,383. Experts displayed a gaze behavior suggestive of high analysis levels as well as being able to identify and analyze features rapidly—this is illustrated through the presence of both longer and shorter fixations. However, experts appeared to look at both maps in more detail than novices. The orthomosaic map was very successful at both attracting and keeping the attention of the map reader on certain features. It was concluded that an orthomosaic-based drone map used in conjunction with a satellite map is a useful tool for high spatial density virtual prospecting for novices and experts.