Identifying Locations and Directions on Field and Representational Mapping Tasks: Predictors of Success

Performance on field and representational mapping tasks was examined in relation to spatial skills, self-reported wayfinding skills, and participant sex. In field tasks, participants marked their locations and orientations on maps and pointed toward buildings marked on the map. In representational tasks, participants linked maps to photographed scenes and videotaped walks. Collectively, spatial tests predicted performance on all mapping tasks; tests adding unique prediction differed across tasks. Self-reported wayfinding skills predicted success on field but not representational mapping tasks. Findings show the value of research with both field and representational mapping tasks and the need to include directional information on You-Are-Here maps.