Strategy Differences in Map Information Use for Route Following in Unfamiliar Cities; Implications for In-Car Navigation Systems (Strategieverschillen in Kaart-Informatiegebruik bij het Volgen van Routes in Onbekends Steden; Implicaties voor Navigatie-Systemen in Auto's)

The present field study was carried out with the aim of gaining more insight into the amount and types of information used by different groups of drivers when navigating in unfamiliar cities. Twenty-four drivers, twelve experienced and twelve inexperienced, twelve male and twelve female, took part in the field study. Subjects had to follow four predetermined routes through a city they were unfamiliar with. Subjects could consult copies of the city street map, of which there were two versions: normal maps, and the same maps containing stickers with names of road signs at particular crossings. Subjects were asked to think aloud while studying maps and while navigating, and their verbalizations were tape recorded. The results showed that subjects mainly used street names, landmarks, and road signs for navigation. Experienced and inexperienced drivers did not differ in the types of information used, nor in the number of navigation errors. Use of the road signs on maps led to fewer navigation errors. Subject who used mainly street names for way finding made more navigation errors and could remember three navigation decisions at most on average. Keywords: Driving; Ergonomics; Navigation; Maps; Netherlands.
Summary in English and Dutch.