Map position-finding performance in a photographically simulated environment

Abstract

This research examined two issues. First, it tested whether accurate map position-finding could be performed in a photographically simulated environment. Test subjects were asked to locate map position sites represented by color 35mm slides encompassing a 360-degree panoramic view for the corresponding ground location. Second, it tested if the perspective imparted by the lens type used to photograph the panoramic views had a significant effect on the accuracy of location selection by the subjects. The two lenses tested were a 50mm (normal perspective) lens and a 28mm (moderately wide-angle) lens which distorted distance, but provided a wider field-of-view.

Results indicated that: 1) subjects were able to locate a specific map position by viewing color slides; 2) map position-finding accuracy performance was more dependent on the site itself than on the 35mm slide presentation; and, 3) there appeared to be no significant difference in map position-finding accuracy performance between using views photographed with a 50mm lens and a 28mm lens.