Spatial Learning with Orientation Maps: The Influence of Different Environmental Features on Spatial Knowledge Acquisition

Heinrich Löwen,Jakub Krukar,Angela Schwering

doi:10.3390/ijgi8030149

Heinrich Löwen, Jakub Krukar + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi8030149

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Abstract

The prevalent use of GPS-based navigation systems impairs peoples’ ability to orient themselves. This paper investigates whether wayfinding maps that accentuate different types of environmental features support peoples’ spatial learning. A virtual-reality driving simulator was used to investigate spatial knowledge acquisition in assisted wayfinding tasks. Two main conditions of wayfinding maps were tested against a base condition: (i) highlighting local features, i.e., landmarks, along the route and at decision points; and (ii) highlighting structural features that provide global orientation. The results show that accentuating local features supports peoples’ acquisition of route knowledge, whereas accentuating global features supports peoples’ acquisition of survey knowledge. The results contribute to the general understanding of spatial knowledge acquisition in assisted wayfinding tasks. Future navigation systems could enhance spatial knowledge by providing visual navigation support incorporating not only landmarks but structural features in wayfinding maps.

Highlights

Wayfinding support systems are widely used by people to get turn-by-turn instructions in assisted wayfinding situations, especially when traveling in unfamiliar environments
Navigation systems have been developed for research and for commercial purposes that incorporate landmarks; it has been proven that landmarks are useful environmental cues that have a positive influence both on navigation and acquisition of route knowledge [6,7,8]
In the present study we investigate whether wayfinding maps that accentuate different types of environmental features support incidental acquisition of route knowledge and survey knowledge

Summary

Introduction

Wayfinding support systems are widely used by people to get turn-by-turn instructions in assisted wayfinding situations, especially when traveling in unfamiliar environments. Users’ focus on environmental aspects, which is relevant for active wayfinding and navigation, is replaced by a focus on turn-by-turn instructions provided by the devices This has negative consequences on spatial learning and orientation [2,3,4,5] , users might be unable to make informed decisions in case of unforeseen events such as malfunction of the devices. Following blindly their wayfinding support systems with little attention to the environment has brought people into hazardous situations and led to numerous accidents. Navigation systems have been developed for research and for commercial purposes that incorporate landmarks; it has been proven that landmarks are useful environmental cues that have a positive influence both on navigation and acquisition of route knowledge [6,7,8]

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