Assessing Spatial Knowledge and Mental Map Development Under Virtual Training Conditions

Abstract

Mental maps are the core of wayfinding because they contain representations of point, route, and configuration related spatial knowledge. Currently, methods spatial knowledge do not clearly separate these theoretically disparate facets. The purpose of this research is to examine the relationships between point-related, route-related, and configuration-related spatial knowledge tests administered to participants in the context of training to comprehend a virtual environment. Results indicated that measures which are often interchanged under the assumption that they are reflective of spatial knowledge may in fact measure different and unrelated constructs. Futher, analyses showed that measures that are commonly used to tap point-related and route-related knowledge may have different influences on the development of configuration knowledge, and little to none on the ability for individuals to leverage their holistic mental map for wayfinding.