How Mobile Maps Cooperate with Existing Navigational Infrastructure

Abstract

Mobile map design often reflects contextual concerns like user population, activity and location, while ignoring tools in the environment that facilitate the same activities to be supported by the new application. However, it is rarely evident from the outset if a mobile map application should replace or augment existing tools. Augmenting tools like kiosk maps and signage may result in an application that is easier and more beneficial to use. This chapter presents a naturalistic study examining how mobile map interfaces can be used to augment other tools such as kiosk maps when navigating in buildings. The results of the study provide evidence that using kiosk maps alongside a mobile wayfinding application can promote the acquisition of spatial knowledge. Study participants were better able to trace their route and place key landmarks on a map when they had interacted with kiosk maps during wayfinding tasks. In addition, many participants actively integrated environmental cues beyond those explicitly referred to in the mobile application.