Finding Your Way: How Cognitive Abilities and Instructions Shape Route Learning from Maps

What is it about?

Most of us use digital maps daily, but some people are much better at learning and remembering routes from them. We examined how people learn routes from digital maps and what predicts how well they can later navigate from memory. We tested whether map reading instructions help to increase performance and reduce the role of spatial abilities. We also analyzed eye movements to gain insights into what effective map reading actually looks like.

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Photo by Maël BALLAND on Unsplash

Photo by Maël BALLAND on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study shows that spatial abilities — including perspective taking and visuo-spatial working memory — matter for map-based route learning — but that targeted instructions can partially level the playing field, reducing the disadvantage of naturally weaker spatial abilities. Using a novel approach to eye-tracking data analysis, this study identifies a successful map-reading strategy: systematically scanning along the route toward the destination. These findings could inform the design of better navigation tools and wayfinding training programs.