Several decluttering methods were compared with respect to the speed and accuracy of user performance which resulted. The presence of a map background was also manipulated. Partial removal of nonessential graphic features through symbol simplification was as effective a decluttering technique as was total removal of nonessential graphic features. The presence of a map background interacted with decluttering conditions when response time was the dependent measure. Results indicate that the effectiveness of decluttering methods depends upon the degree to which each method makes essential graphic information distinctive from nonessential information. Practical implications are discussed.
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