Visual Landmarks are Exaggerated: A Theoretical and Empirical View on the Meaning of Landmarks in Human Wayfinding

Abstract

Are landmarks exaggerated in human wayfinding? Daniel R. Montello says yes, and I basically agree with his opinion. However, I do agree on a different level. My aim for this discussion article is to point out why landmarks are indeed exaggerated in this research context and I will try to approach this claim from several perspectives. First, the research focus in this field is, unfortunately, mainly on visual landmarks. Second, other modalities than vision—e.g., auditory and/or olfactory senses—can be used for landmark-based wayfinding. Third, we need to clearly differentiate between conscious/effortful and unconscious/automatic processing of spatial information in the context of landmark-based wayfinding. Finally, I will suggest that landmarks, even if exaggerated in the visual domain, are (still) of significant importance in human wayfinding and spatial cognition.