ABSTRACT
This chapter provides vignettes from ongoing studies of the impact of visualization on facility operations, sensor monitoring, and facilities maintenance. Results of the user studies using different settings showed that facility operators efficiency and accuracy in pinpointing problems in controlled heating, ventilating, air conditioning(HVAC) equipment and sensors improved when visual forms were used for information visualization. When facility operators were familiar with the spaces they monitored, they performed better in 3D scientific visualization settings, whereas they performed better in 2D scientific visualization settings when they lacked familiarity with the spaces being monitored. The studies discussed in the chapter should have direct impact on facilities management services when they evaluate commercial products, such as building automation systems that display facility information and HVAC system parameters. Furthermore, vendor companies that provide such solutions to the facilities management industry can benefit from the findings of this study to customize their interfaces based on the expertise.
