Visual search characteristics of precise map reading by orienteers

Abstract

This article compares the differences in eye movements between orienteers of different skill levels on map information searches and explores the visual search patterns of orienteers during precise map reading so as to explore the cognitive characteristics of orienteers’ visual search. We recruited 44 orienteers at different skill levels (experts, advanced beginners, and novices), and recorded their behavioral responses and eye movement data when reading maps of different complexities. We found that the complexity of map (complex vs. simple) affects the quality of orienteers’ route planning during precise map reading. Specifically, when observing complex maps, orienteers of higher competency tend to have a better quality of route planning (i.e., a shorter route planning time, a longer gaze time, and a more concentrate distribution of gazes). Expert orienteers demonstrated obvious cognitive advantages in the ability to find key information. We also found that in the stage of route planning, expert orienteers and advanced beginners first pay attention to the checkpoint description table. The expert group extracted information faster, and their attention was more concentrated, whereas the novice group paid less attention to the checkpoint description table, and their gaze was scattered. We found that experts regarded the information in the checkpoint description table as the key to the problem and they give priority to this area in route decision making. These results advance our understanding of professional knowledge and problem solving in orienteering.

Shedding Light on the Effects of Orienteering Exercise on Spatial Memory Performance in College Students of Different Genders: An fNIRS Study

“…Compared with other sports, orienteers have certain cognitive advantages in spatial cognition [ 33 ]. Specific cognitive training in orienteering enables orienteering practitioners to master effective visual search strategies [ 34 ]. A study by Eccles found that those who were good at using attention and spatial memory during orienteering route-planning could complete the race effectively [ 35 ].…”

Investigation of Map Users' Behaviors Using Eye Tracking, Electroencephalogram and Digital Sketch Maps

“…Örneğin, karmaşık ve efektif olmayan bir harita, aşırı derece ilgi çekici görsel bir unsur olmadığı varsayıldığında, katılımcılarda daha uzun sabitleme sürelerine neden olacaktır. Sabitleme sıklığı ya da birim zamandaki sabitleme sayısı, gerçekleştirilen görevin işlem hızı hakkında bilgi vermektedir ve harita kullanıcısı ne denli bilgi ve beceri sahibiyse, haritadan bilgi çıkarımı o denli yüksek olacak, bir başka deyişle, birim zamana düşen bilgi edinimi o oranda artacaktır (Liu, 2019). Bu çalışmada bilişsel yük değerlendirmesi için saniyedeki ortalama sabitleme sayısı ve ortalama sabitleme süresi metrikleri kullanılmıştır (Togami, 1984;Gedminas, 2011;Ooms, 2012).…”

A Characterization of Brain Area Activation in Orienteers with Different Map-Recognition Memory Ability Task Levels—Based on fNIRS Evidence

“…As a type of memory, spatial memory is the storage and processing of spatial information [ 6 ]. Currently, studies on the cognitive abilities of orienteers have confirmed that orienteers have good map-recognition memory [ 7 ], and memory ability is highly correlated with athlete level, as in the study by Lunze, who found that the map-recognition ability of German national orienteering team athletes was higher than that of ordinary university students, and that the better spatial memory ability of professional athletes comes from years of sports experience and expertise training [ 8 ]. However, further research is needed to clarify whether this memory advantage of high-level orienteers is innately developed or acquired through later training.…”