Digital sketch maps and eye tracking statistics as instruments to obtain insights into spatial cognition

Abstract

This paper explores map users’ cognitive processes in learning, acquiring and remembering information presented via screen maps. In this context, we conducted a mixed-methods user experiment employing digital sketch maps and eye tracking. On the one hand, the performance of the participants was assessed based on the order with which the objects were drawn and the influence of visual variables (e.g. presence & location, size, shape, color). On the other hand, trial durations and eye tracking statistics such as average duration of fixations, and number of fixations per seconds were compared. Moreover, selected AoIs (Area of Interests) were explored to gain a deeper insight on visual behavior of map users. Depending on the normality of the data, we used either two-way ANOVA or Mann-Whitney U test to inspect the significance of the results. Based on the evaluation of the drawing order, we observed that experts and males drew roads first whereas; novices and females focused more on hydrographic object. According to the assessment of drawn elements, no significant differences emerged between neither experts and novices, nor females and males for the retrieval of spatial information presented on 2D maps with a simple design and content. The differences in trial durations between novices and experts were not statistically significant while both studying and drawing. Similarly, no significant difference occurred between female and male participants for either studying or drawing. Eye tracking metrics also supported these findings. For average duration of fixation, there was found no significant difference between experts and novices, as well as between females and males. Similarly, no significant differences were found for the mean number of fixation.

Exploring the Cognitive Load of Expert and Novice Map Users Using EEG and Eye Tracking

“…Map learning involves complex cognitive processes, and is different from other learning concepts, in the sense that it requires understanding and memorizing the information presented in map format, and this information is presented at once [2]. When people need to perform a spatial memory task, they tend to memorize the location, color, shape, and size of the objects (i.e., visual variables), together with their spatial relationships between each other [3]. They also adapt themselves to when, how, and in which order they select and focus on a map object of their interest.…”

“…For instance, average fixation duration is associated with the attentional procedures, while the number of fixations per second indicates the speed of attention. Fixation duration and the number of fixations are generally inversely correlated, and higher fixation durations indicate higher processing load [3,6]. On the other hand, saccades are short (e.g., typically 30-80 ms) and voluntary eye movements between two fixations and can be visualized as scan paths.…”

“…To study the cognitive procedures of individuals during a map learning task, eye tracking and electroencephalogram (EEG) technologies can be combined e.g., [3,6,[16][17][18]. Since eye movements and attentive cognition are linked, it is possible to detect users' cognitive states in situ via eye trackers.…”

“…This paper is part of a larger PhD research study. Previously, we investigated the spatial memory (i.e., map learning) abilities of map users through two user experiments employing mixed methods of (i) sketch maps and eye tracking [3]; and (ii) eye tracking and EEG [6] by emphasizing the importance of cartographic/psychological experimental design. While, in the previous paper [6], we mostly focused on the experimental set-up of the user study presented in this paper, we now present the results of the EEG analysis in detail with the aim of triangulating them with the recorded eye tracking data.…”

“…Changes in PSD of theta and alpha averaged for all tasks. GL= good learners,2 RPL= relatively poor learners,3 ∆P = difference between GL and RPL.…”