Spatial Knowledge Acquisition from Maps and Virtual Environments in Complex Architectural Spaces

If the VE could be shown to substantially improve navigation performance, then there might be a case for its use as a training tool, and if not, then the authors have to assume that maps continue to be the best spatial knowledge acquisition tool available.

Abstract

It has often been suggested that due to its inherent spatial nature, a virtual environment (VE) might be a powerful tool for spatial knowledge acquisition of a real environment, as opposed to the use of maps or some other two-dimensional, symbolic medium. While interesting from a psychological point of view, a study of the use of a VE in lieu of a map seems nonsensical from a practical point of view. Why would the use of a VE preclude the use of a map? The more interesting investigation would be of the value added of the VE when used with a map. If the VE could be shown to substantially improve navigation performance, then there might be a case for its use as a training tool. If not, then we have to assume that maps continue to be the best spatial knowledge acquisition tool available.