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Spatial Cognition in the Field: A New Approach Using the Smartphone's Compass Sensors and Navigation Apps.

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  • 1Department of Psychology and Psychodynamics, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, A-3500 Krems an der Donau, Austria.

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This study explored spatial cognition using smartphone data. The Point North task, assessing direction deviation, showed promise as an objective real-world measure, unlike Google Maps usage or movement distance.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Human Geography
  • Geospatial Technology

Background:

  • Spatial cognition is crucial for navigation and real-world tasks.
  • Traditional assessments of spatial cognition have limitations in ecological validity and participant burden.
  • Smartphones offer new possibilities for measuring spatial cognition in daily life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate novel smartphone-based methods for assessing spatial cognition.
  • To compare conventional spatial cognition measures with new objective techniques.
  • To investigate the ecological validity of smartphone-based spatial cognition assessment.

Main Methods:

  • A large longitudinal experience sampling method (ESM) study was conducted in Canada and Australia (N=217).
  • Spatial cognition was assessed using traditional methods (sense of direction, mental rotation) and novel smartphone techniques (Google Maps usage, movement patterns, Point North task).
  • The Point North task utilized smartphone compass sensors to measure deviation from North.

Main Results:

  • Spatial orientation was significantly associated only with the Point North task.
  • No significant associations were found between spatial orientation and daily Google Maps usage (self-rated or objective).
  • Movement distance and patterns did not show significant associations with spatial orientation.

Conclusions:

  • The Point North task demonstrates potential as an objective, ecologically valid, and user-friendly smartphone-based measure for spatial cognition.
  • Further validation is needed, but the Point North task may overcome limitations of traditional spatial cognition assessments.
  • Smartphone technology can provide innovative tools for studying spatial cognition in naturalistic settings.