Author(s):
Drew Dara-Abrams* - University of California, Santa Barbara
Abstract:
Researchers studying environment-scale spatial cognition must usually choose between the relevance of the real world and the precision of the lab. In recent work, I have introduced "cognitive surveying" as a framework of computational techniques to enable the automated and precise study of spatial knowledge and navigation practices in everyday environments (D. Dara-Abrams, 2008, Spatial Cognition 2008, Springer LNAI 5248, pp. 138-153). Much like the equipment and techniques used by land surveyors, the cognitive surveying system uses a small mobile computer, a GPS unit, and a digital compass. Each experiment participant carries such a device, which tracks their movement. Using the device, participants also label as landmarks locations that they consider meaningful. The device then prompts them to point and estimate the distance toward out-of-sight landmarks. Based on these piecemeal measurements, the system can then produce analyses, both quantitative and qualitative, as well as visualizations, such as an "image of the city."
In this talk, I will demonstrate the cognitive surveying framework in action; discuss how such a toolkit can help to automatically and consistently read out people's "cognitive maps"; and, finally, consider the relevance of these techniques to basic research in spatial cognition, the practice of urban design and city planning, and the development of location-based services and other mobile GIS.
