Wayfinding by Means of Maps in Real-world Settings: A Critical Review

Abstract

This critical review addresses 26 studies of Wayfinding conducted in a real-world setting (large-scale), and with subjects using a map or an aerial photograph in their navigation. The purpose of the review is to summarise how previous surveys have been conducted and to provide some methodological advice for future research. Research design has consequently been the main priority, emphasising methods, measures, participants, context and types of map. Both qualitative and quantitative studies should be initiated, but the lack of research is significant within quantitative studies, the link between laboratory-based and real-world studies, studies where the subjects have been children with map experience and adult novices, and studies conducted in complex settings. Type of map appears to be an important determinant of performance and should be varied according to age and level of skills. Alignment of a map could be a possible source of error.

The Urban Built Environment, Walking and Mental Health Outcomes Among Older Adults: A Pilot Study

“…Please draw the route you undertook so that the visitor could repeat this route .” The cognitive sketch maps were reviewed by a member of the research team in order to assess five aspects of the maps: Usability, Accuracy, Network Quality, Waypoints, and Natural Features. These aspects of the map were selected based on prior literature establishing methods for assessing overall map quality (Usability, Accuracy, and Network Quality) as well as objective counts of specific map features (Waypoints and Natural Features) ( 38 – 40 ).…”

A Systematic Review of Navigation Assistance Systems for People With Dementia

“…Previous reviews in the literature indicate that there are substantial gaps in the literature regarding (1) spatial knowledge acquisition in real-world settings involving complex wayfinding tasks [97] and (2) how traditional, e.g., maps or signs, and digital, e.g., GPS or smartphones, navigation advice and their particular types of advice influences the acquisition of spatial knowledge and complement one another [97], [98].…”

“…There are many matches between the navigation difficulties presented by people with dementia and the ones presented by the general population. For instance, many adults, whether they have dementia or not, are not competent nor confident in using maps [97]. Also, wayfinding difficulties among neurotypical people are associated with underdeveloped decisionmaking and problem-solving abilities, which are frequent cognitive impairments among people with dementia [99].…”

“…Based on recent reviews on wayfinding [97], [98], [99], many of the recommendations that we make can be generalized to the design of devices for the general population. Among the recommendations that we make several can be found in the literature on neurotypical people: (1) landmarks and wayfinding information should be salient and colorful [98], [99], (2) standardized spatial cues and specifically symbols, pictograms and photographs are recommended [97], [99] (3) the use of an egocentric map limits the risk of mistakes [97]. In the following paragraphs, we go through the different main recommendations for future research we made and elaborate on if they can be generalized for future research on the global population.…”

East is not right: Spatial compatibility differs between egocentric and cardinal retrieval

“…Maps depict an environment from a survey perspective, making relative landmark locations readily apparent, and likely not engaging the same degree of perceptuo-motor involvement as learning through navigation. However, people often use maps to inform and guide navigation between locations (Bjerva & Sigurjónsson, 2017; Taylor, Naylor, & Chechile, 1999), transforming a survey perspective into physical navigation experiences from an egocentric perspective, a task heavily reliant on perceptual and motor activity (Montello, 2005). In general, people use spatial knowledge, regardless of its source, for different purposes that may have varying degrees of perceptual or motor involvement.…”