Following Informal Street Maps

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Abstract
To study the effectiveness of map style and map complexity on street map-following performance, drivers utilized one of six informal street maps to drive to a destination in an unfamiliar location. Using a 2 X 3 factorial design, 78 undergraduates were randomly assigned to one of six map design conditions: two levels of style (written verbatim or graphic illustration) and three levels of complexity. The low-complexity map contained a direct route, including relational (left-right) directions. The medium-complexity map contained a direct route, relational directions, five adjacent streets, and major mileage estimates. The high-complexity map contained a direct route, relational directions, 16 adjacent streets, major mileage estimates, and seven landmarks. Map style significantly affected driving time, as written verbatim maps resulted in less total driving time than graphic maps. Subjects with higher cognitive abilities (as measured by the Wonderlic Personnel Inventory) took less time to reach the final destination than did those with lower cognitive abilities. Neither the effects for map complexity nor the style by complexity interaction were significant. Also, male and female performance did not significantly differ.

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