Topographical disorientation

Abstract

Abstract The literature on topographical disorientation is reviewed with respect to different types of spatial representation and modes of navigation. It is argued that there is not a strong case for the existence of separate representations for, on the one hand, the identity of environmental features, and, on the other hand, the location of environmental features relative to other landmarks. Identity and location may be considered more profitably as two aspects of one spatial mapping system, which encodes allocentric spatial relationships and permits landmark-based navigation. Egocentric spatial relationships, however, may also be important in navigation. It is argued that damage to the dorsal areas that are implicated in the updating and manipulation of egocentric reference frames, as well as damage to the allocentric system, may result in topographical disorientation.