Quadratische Gitterzellen in Topographischen Karten erh\xf6hen die Genauigkeit von Distanzsch\xe4tzungen

Abstract

Square Grid Cells Improve the Accuracy of Distance Estimations in Topographic MapsIn many everyday scenarios of orientation and navigation, it is inevitable to have a highly accurate distance knowledge. The acquisition of distance knowledge is a common example of map use. As cartographic communication usually depends on graphic symbols, the perception and learning of map information can be influenced by distortion mechanisms. To correct such distortions, foundational research in cartography and spatial cognition have made some design suggestions based on superordinate graphical structures. Some recent studies show that salient road networks and, especially, map grids can help to correct spatial distortion tendencies in memory. These graphic elements regionalize a map surface and serve as space-referencing units. Effects were reported in recall and recognition tasks. The present article includes an experimental study based on topographic maps. The results of the study provide evidence that square grid cells improve the performance in estimating longer distances.