Cognitive effects of structuring map elements on static and dynamic maps

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Frank Dickmann; Professor Dr. Lars Kuchinke
• Subject Area: Geodesy, Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, Cartography
• Term: from 2012 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 218150251

The studies scheduled in this interdisciplinary project proposal are directly related to the results of the pilot project which focused on the effects of cognition principles on static maps. The results achieved confirm the key hypothesis that findings on the structure of human memory can help to optimise the design principles of cartography. It was not only shown that cognitive distortion errors can be reduced. In addition, the improvement of position estimates could be quantified. In order to achieve further results about the interdependency of structuring map elements and cognitive processes, a series of studies based on eye movement registration is planned to be carried out. Eye tracking methods may give information about the memory structure and the design specifications of the map graphics which could help to decrease cognitive distortion errors. The studies planned comprise several corresponding sets of test series. These studies are not restricted to static maps; they are also focused on dynamic map media which are applicable to the practical field of navigation (GPS, pedestrian and vehicle navigation, route planning, map-based web services).

• DFG Programme: Research Grants