GPS use and navigation ability: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

GPS use pervades society; however, its effects on an individuals' navigation ability are not well understood. We reviewed and meta-analyzed the available evidence on the associations between GPS use and navigation ability, in terms of environmental knowledge, sense of direction and wayfinding. Based on the PRISMA guidelines and preregistration in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022378106), we searched the Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Scopus databases. Out of 907 articles, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for our review. We assessed the risk of bias using Joanna Briggs’ tools. The narrative synthesis presented negative associations between GPS use and performance in environmental knowledge and self-reported sense of direction measures and a positive association with wayfinding. When considering quantitative data, results revealed a negative effect of GPS use on environmental knowledge (r = −.18 [95% CI: −.28, −.08]) and sense of direction (r = −.25 [95% CI: −.39, −.12]) and a positive yet not significant effect on wayfinding (r = .07 [95% CI: −.28, .41]). Current literature has several strengths but also methodological weaknesses that limit the quality of evidence, with 69% of the studies classified with a moderate to high risk of bias. Although evidence suggests that using GPS tools can have a negative impact on environmental knowledge and sense of direction but a limited effect on wayfinding, future studies should adopt standardized measurements and procedures to further confirm these results and delve more deeply into understanding how GPS could be used as an external aid to support navigation.