Spatial Cognition and Map Interpretation
Abstract
The effectiveness of the Map Interpretation and Terrain Association Course (MITAC) developed by the Navy Personnel Research & Development Center was evaluated, in cooperation with the First Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, CA. MITAC instruction significantly improved subjects' ability to perform terrain association, a critical skill in position location. In addition, individual differences in spatial abilities were assessed to identify cognitive components underlying map interpretation. Two components, orientation and visualization, were found to be equally important for predicting real-world position location. Additionally, comparison of experimental and control groups' spatial aptitude scores indicated that the success of MITAC in improving terrain association was not a result of increased spatial aptitude. Instead, the course was effective because it taught a procedural, orientation strategy that can be learned by those with low spatial ability. Finally, field and classroom performance was compared to wayfinding in a simulated (videogame) environment in which position coordinates were available during play. Game performance was significantly related to both field and classroom performance, and to spatial aptitude. High- spatial-aptitude individuals travelled farther between requests for position information, suggesting that they have larger spatial memory spans.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA190583
Entities
People
- Sharon Tkacz
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences