Journal article

Publication year: 2020

Pages: 557-562

Journal: German Journal on Artificial Intelligence

Volume number: 34

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 0933-1875

eISSN: 1610-1987

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13218-020-00668-5

Publisher: Springer

Abstract: 
Are landmarks exaggerated in human wayfinding? Daniel R. Montello says yes, and I basically agree with his opinion. However, I do agree on a different level. My aim for this discussion article is to point out why landmarks are indeed exaggerated in this research context and I will try to approach this claim from several perspectives. First, the research focus in this field is, unfortunately, mainly on visual landmarks. Second, other modalities than vision-e.g., auditory and/or olfactory senses-can be used for landmark-based wayfinding. Third, we need to clearly differentiate between conscious/effortful and unconscious/automatic processing of spatial information in the context of landmark-based wayfinding. Finally, I will suggest that landmarks, even if exaggerated in the visual domain, are (still) of significant importance in human wayfinding and spatial cognition.

Harvard Citation style: Hamburger, K. (2020) Visual Landmarks are Exaggerated: A Theoretical and Empirical View on the Meaning of Landmarks in Human Wayfinding, German Journal on Artificial Intelligence, 34(4), pp. 557-562. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13218-020-00668-5

APA Citation style: Hamburger, K. (2020). Visual Landmarks are Exaggerated: A Theoretical and Empirical View on the Meaning of Landmarks in Human Wayfinding. German Journal on Artificial Intelligence. 34(4), 557-562. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13218-020-00668-5