Performance Differences in a Navigation Task among Users Presented with a North-Up versus Track-Up Orientation Map Display

Abstract

The principal objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the orientation of the presented map on a navigation display (i.e., north-up vs. track-up) would influence performance in a computer-based navigation task. In addition, it was believed that the user's level of spatial ability would interact with the nature of the display. Results indicated that neither display led to more accurate or faster performance. However, the track-up group reported finding the task more difficult (higher workload) and rated the map display less helpful. The north-up group also reported such a display as potentially being more helpful in real world driving. Results indicated a significant correlation between spatial ability and performance accuracy, with high spatial ability scores associated with better performance on the navigation task. Implications for the design of navigation devices, such as those currently marketed for automobiles, will be discussed as well as areas warranting further research.