Schematic Maps as Wayfinding Aids

Schematic maps are effective tools for representing information about the physical environment; they depict specific information in an abstract way. This study concentrates on spatial aspects of the physical environment such as branching points and connecting roads, which play a paramount role in the schematization of wayfinding maps. Representative classes of branchingpoints are identified and organized in a taxonomy. The use of prototypical branching points and connecting road types is empirically evaluated in the schematization of maps. The role played by the different functions according to which the map is classified is assessed, and main strategies applied during the schematization process are identified. Implications for navigational tasks are presented.