Using landmarks to facilitate pedestrian wayfinding with mobile maps

Abstract

This thesis investigated the extent to which photographs of landmarks in mobile maps aided wayfinding for pedestrians in unfamiliar outdoor areas. Landmarks function as ‘building blocks’ of spatial knowledge and can aid people’s awareness of their location. When wayfinding with mobile maps, the map system is automated, and a small, cropped map is used. Both these factors can contribute to limited spatial knowledge of the route and surroundings being acquired. Should a pedestrian’s mobile phone battery, data connection or GPS malfunction, having knowledge of the surrounding landmarks may prevent the pedestrian from becoming lost.