How is GPS used? Understanding navigation system use and its relation to spatial ability.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Navigation Science

Background:

• Global Positioning System (GPS) is ubiquitous in daily navigation.
• Limited research exists on GPS usage variations and their link to navigation abilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate GPS dependence and usage patterns across different navigational scenarios.
• Examine the relationship between GPS use, spatial abilities, and spatial anxiety.
• Determine if GPS use is modulated by environmental familiarity.

Main Methods:

• Assessed GPS dependence (perceived need) and GPS usage (frequency of function use).
• Measured spatial abilities via self-report and learning novel environments.
• Analyzed correlations between GPS metrics, spatial abilities, and spatial anxiety in 249 participants across two studies.

Main Results:

• GPS dependence negatively correlated with navigation performance and sense of direction, but positively with spatial anxiety.
• Frequent use of turn-by-turn GPS directions linked to poorer sense of direction and higher spatial anxiety.
• GPS primarily used for time/traffic estimation; usage decreased with environmental familiarity.

Conclusions:

• Individuals modulate GPS use based on their knowledge, abilities, and confidence.
• GPS often serves to augment, not replace, existing spatial environmental knowledge.
• Findings highlight the complex interplay between technology, cognition, and navigation behavior.