Spatial knowledge acquired from pedestrian urban navigation systems

We investigated the spatial knowledge that users of pedestrian navigation support acquire about the navigated area. In particular, we compare two conditions: A spatially richer condition, which provides continual access to information about route directions and surroundings via a local map at closest zoom level. And a spatially sparser condition, in which route directions are given via a tactile display and only as decision points come up. In a field study, 28 participants navigated on foot through a previously unfamiliar urban area. Data on resulting spatial knowledge, gaze distribution on environmental features, performance, individual spatial abilities, and user experience were collected and analysed. We were specifically interested in the route and survey knowledge that participants had acquired. The results point to advantages for acquiring route knowledge through using the sparser, tactile display condition and for acquiring survey knowledge through using the richer map condition. We conclude with discussing ramifications for the design and use of different types of pedestrian navigation support systems for different task scenarios.