Hang-gliding

Synonyms / Other Terms Used

Hang Glider, Delta Wing, Hand Gliding Center

Category

Sports, Adventure Sports, Sporting Activities, Land Based Activities, Activities, Recreation, Tourism

Message / Function

For notice in general and to indicate the location of facilities for hang-gliding

	Source	Description
	ÖNORM A 3011	Front view of human figure hang-gliding
	Fabio Meroni	View from below showing human figure hang-gliding
	MDCT	View from below showing human figure hang-gliding
	BS 8501:2002	View of human figure hang-gliding from below
	PNF 2014	View of human figure hang-gliding from below
	NZS 8603	Side view of human figure hang-gliding
	CNIS	Side view of human figure hang-gliding
	U.S. National Park Service	Side view of human figure hang-gliding
	DER	Side view of human figure hang-gliding
	Ecuador	Side view of human figure hang-gliding
	Peru 2016	Side view of human figure hang-gliding
	Erco	Side view of human figure hang-gliding
	Québec	Clipped side view of human figure hang-gliding

Note: Some of the examples shown above were mirrored horizontally to contrast differences.

Discussion

The collection above illustrates the small number of concepts used in pictograms to indicate the location of facilities for hang-gliding. While all pictograms show a human figure hang-gliding, variations are induced by changing the point of view, and especially the rendering and scaling of the delta wing, which seems to be the most difficult part of the design.

In our research we discovered that there is only very limited test data available for the referent Hang-gliding, as only one pictogram was studied:

Fiori (2008) examined a map symbol very similar to the pictogram of the Brazilian National Council of Traffic, labeled as DER in the table above. 77.5 % of the responses in a Comprehension Test were classified as correct, indicating that the message intended was understood well enough according to ISO conventions.

Recommendation

Due to the fact that data from research is very limited, we recommend to start testing using the Comprehensibility Estimation procedure for eliminating poor variants and identifying the best of the set available, followed by a Comprehension Test. These studies should deliver useful data for recommending the best pictogram. Detailed information about the most frequent responses given in each of the response categories of the Comprehension Test should be provided to correctly judge comprehensibility and improve designs. Also information concerning knowledge about this kind of sport should be collected at the end of the test, as the degree of familiarity with the referent examined has a significant impact on the validity of the data collected.

Tests of pictograms of referent Hang-gliding

Fiori, S. R. (2008): Mapas para o turismo e a interatividade - proposta teórica e prática. Tese de Doutorado - Depto. de Geografia, FFLCH-USP.