Chris completed his Ph.D in Experimental Psychology at the University of Alberta in 1987. His research approach examines human attention and performance in dynamic environments through the use of modelling and simulation. Chris launched VSIM - The Centre of Advanced Studies in Visualization, Simulation and Modelling - in 2005.
Current Projects
- Virtual Environments. Impact of virtual and simulation fidelity on learning and performance training.
- Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs). A cognitive systems approach to the development of a control environment for integrating UAVs into civil airspace.
- Ageing Pilots. Cognitive abilities and performance changes in older pilots.
- Advanced Cockpit Technologies. Impact of glass cockpit displays on performance, workload and situation awareness in general aviation pilots.
- Automobile Technologies. Impact of cell phones, navigation systems and head-up displays on driver behaviour and awareness.
Centre for Advanced Studies in Visualization, Simulation & Modelling
“With VSIM, we have forged a unique capability to perform cutting-edge research on visualization, simulation, and modeling.”
As the Scientific Director of VSIM, Chris initiated a $28-million project funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Innovation Trust, and industry partners. VSIM’s interdisciplinary researchers— Carleton faculty from Cognitive Science, Psychology, Engineering, and Architecture—work on projects such as virtual reality simulations. Research teams moved into the new 400 square metre VSIM facility in the spring of 2007. VSIM will provide the necessary infrastructure for unique training opportunities for students, and will have a significant international and Canadian presence. The project includes 15 partners in industry including CAE Inc., which is a leading provider of integrated training solutions and advanced simulation and controls technologies to civil and military aviation customers.
Use the VSIM WIKI to keep up to date about VSIM upcoming events.
VSIM acknowledges the financial
support of the Province of Ontario through the
Ontario Innovation Trust.
The Trust invests in research
infrastructure at Ontario’s universities, hospitals,
colleges, and research institutes.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Herdman, C.M. & Kruk, M. (2007). Control and application of multiple UAVs in an integrated C4ISR environment. UVS Canada.
Zheng, Y., Brown. M., Herdman, C.M., & Bleichman, D. (2007). Lane position head-up displays in automobiles: Further evidence for cognitive tunnelling. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, 14.
Brown, M., Hagen, L., Wade, J., & Herdman, C.M. (2007). The difficulty of learning in virtual environments: The role of proprioceptive feedback. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, 14.
Hagen, L., Herdman, C.M., & Brown, M. (2007). Performance costs of digital information in head-up displays. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, 14.
Coffey, E., Herdman, C.M., & Wade, J., (2007). Cognitive ageing: The effects of age and workload on simulated flight performance in general aviation pilots. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, 14.
Prof. Chris Herdman 
