Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

Environmental landmarks are required for effective wayfinding when using maps, but landmarks such as signs are not always designed on the basis of human factors principles. This study was designed to investigate map design guidelines, wayfinding behaviors, and environmental cues that affect wayfinding. Thirty-six participants hiked on a designated trail in an outdoor park using the think aloud method. Observational and interview data were collected to examine how the participants interacted with the environment when using maps. The results showed that man-made features such as signage were useful in aiding wayfinding, but other geographical features of the environment were also used to support wayfinding. Recommendations for sign design and placement are discussed.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Anson

R.W.

Ormeling . (1993), Basic Cartography for students and technicians, Vol 1, (2nd Ed.). Oxford, UK: Elsevier Science Publishers LTD for International Cartographic Association.

Bies

J. D.

Long

R. A.

(1983). Mapping and Topographic Drafting. Cincinnati, Ohio: Southwestern Publishing Co.

Blades

Spencer

(1987). How do people use maps to navigate through the world? Cartographica, 24 (3), 64–75.

Clarke

L. M.

(1989). Recreational mapping at a tourist attraction: An experimental map evaluation involving user feedback. Bulletin Society of University Cartographers, 22 (2), 13–18.

Heth

D. C.

Cornell

E. H.

(1998). Characteristics of travel by persons lost in Albertan wilderness areas. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 18, 223–235.

Keates

J. S.

(1982) Understanding maps. New York: Halsted Press.

Levine

Marchon

Hanley

(1984). The placement and misplacement of You-are-here maps. Environment and Behavior, 16(2), 139–157.

Levine

(1982). You-are-here Maps: Psychological Considerations. Environment and Behavior, 14(2), 221–237.

MacEachren

A. M.

(1995). How Maps Work: Representation, Visualization, and Design. New York: Guilford Press.

10.

Mooers

R. L.

(1972). Finding Your Way in the Outdoors. New York: Popular Science Publishing Company, Inc.

11.

National Park Service. (2000). National Park Service Statistical Abstract 2000. Retrieved on October 1, 2001 from World Wide Web: http://www2.nature.nps.gov/stats/.

12.

Passini

(1996). Wayfinding design: Logic, application and some thoughts on universality. Design Studies, 17, 319–331.

13.

Soh

B. K.

(2002). Developing outdoor map design guidelines using a real-world wayfinding task. Unpublished Master Thesis: http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-05292002-235858/.

14.

Yarnal

C. M.

Coulson

M.R.C.

(1982). Recreational map design and map use: An experiment. Cartographic Journal, 19(1), 16–27.

Designing Cues for Recreational Parks to Support Wayfinding Behaviors

Abstract

Get full access to this article

References