Enhancing Spatial Cognition Skills Based on Cognitive Map Formulation Processes

Abstract

When moving through a space, we have to consider the route to the destination and gather real-world information to check that we are following this route correctly. In this study, we define spatial movement skill as this ability to associate information like maps and memory with real-world objects like signs and buildings. Without adequate spatial movement skills, people are liable to experience difficulties such as going around in circles and getting lost. Alleviating this problem requires better spatial movement skills, but few studies have considered how this can be achieved or supported, and we have found no research into how the improvement of these skills can be supported in practice. Since spatial cognition is always necessary for spatial movement, our aim in this study is to support the improvement of spatial movement skills through the use of knowledge gained from the research of spatial cognition. From these related studies, we systematically summarized the knowledge of problems in spatial movement and the stages of spatial information processing, and we created a new learning model for the improvement of spatial movement skills. Based on this model, we developed a system that uses position information to support the improvement of spatial movement skills. Initial experiments with this system confirmed that its use promotes recognition from a global viewpoint to the current location and direction, resulting in the formation of a cognitive map, which suggests that it has an effect on spatial movement skills.