Does Map-Dimensionality Affect Map Processing? An Eye-Movement Study

Abstract

Maps help people to navigate in new or unfamiliar environments. This is especially true of ‘You-Are-Here’ maps. However, not all maps are the same. For example, some maps represent environmental information in a three-dimensional (3-D) manner whereas others do so in two dimensions (2-D). As yet, however, it is unclear whether the dimensionality of maps affects their intelligibility. Therefore, the present study attempted to answer this question by analysing the eye-movements of perceivers (n=20) as they looked at 2-D and 3-D versions of simulated ‘You-Are-Here’ directional maps. In contrast to expectations, results showed that the eye-fixation durations elicited by 3-D maps did not differ significantly from those elicited by their 2-D equivalents. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.