The Interaction of Map Resolution and Spatial Abilities on Route Learning

Abstract

This study evaluated how well routes were learned from maps that were either enhanced with actual satellite photography or presented in more traditional (low resolution) form, with no additional detail. The potential interaction between map resolution and participants' static spatial abilities was also considered. Results indicated that learners recalled significantly more route information and made fewer response errors in the low detail condition than in the high detail condition. Additionally, participants' spatial visualization ability significantly correlated with success on these tasks, whereas mental rotation ability did not. These results suggest that while the addition of high resolution information is now technologically possible, it is not necessarily advised for certain situations as it can lead to a detriment in performance.