Using eye tracking to study reading landscape: a systematic review

Abstract

More studies have understood landscape as a perceived entity since the European Landscape Convention was approved in 2004. This article adopts a systematic review approach in line with the PRISMA statement to delineate the utilization of eye tracking in studying landscapes. A comprehensive analysis of 55 studies sourced from the Web of Science and Scopus databases was conducted. Various aspects were scrutinized, encompassing landscape attributes, media employed for landscape representation, eye tracking data visualizations, and eye tracking metrics. The prevalence of eye tracking usage in landscape studies has notably increased since 1998, with research conducted across all continents. The most studied aspects of the landscape are saliency and specifics of particular types of landscape. Amongst the varied media used to represent landscape, photographs reign supreme, while heatmaps prominently feature as a means to visualize eye tracking data. The spectrum of metrics applied is extensive, showcasing distinct suitability for specific landscape attributes. Drawing from this review, recommendations for prospective research directions are outlined. The insights garnered from this review stand to serve as a valuable overview for researchers delving into the realm of reading landscape.