Motion features of digital path tracing in urban map navigation

This study examines the physical features involved in navigating maps representing urban areas and more specifically when making decision to reach a defined location. A subject is presented a series of maps and is asked to draw the shortest path between selected locations and the centre of the map in order to assess the level of accessibility and intelligibility of urban environments. It is designed to better understand how people select routes and how decision-making may be understood through analysing the drawing process. The process is quantifying through digitally recorded fine motor skill measurements while drawing a path between two points following the street network. Recorded velocity, completion time and measures of drawing accuracy are used to assess the complexity of navigation. This pilot-study confirms that the presence of intersections along the path impacts the speed of tracing. It also establishes that the mode of representation of urban environments has also an impact on the speed of tracing as well.