Planning optimal paths: A simple assessment of survey spatial knowledge in virtual environments

In spatial cognition studies several cognitive factors were analysed in order to identify the aspect that could constitute the basis for the capacity of organising spatial knowledge into survey maps. This study presents a method for evaluating spatial ability, based on the capacity of obtaining a survey-type spatial knowledge organisation, in a recently explored virtual environment. The ability to plan optimal paths in virtual environments was examined in 40 female adult subjects. Spatial evaluation deriving from navigation of a simple virtual environment was compared with classical spatial survey tasks (wayfinding, pointing and sketch maps) performed after the active exploration of a complex virtual environment. Results show that there is a relationship between planning optimal paths and other spatial tasks related to survey representation. These findings highlight how the navigation-supported learning capacity results in a predictive factor for individuals' assessment of spatial ability. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.