Exploring differences of spatial orientation between individuals with impaired sense of direction and those with normal sense of direction in unfamiliar environments

Sense of direction is a crucial component of spatial orientation, particularly in unfamiliar environments, where normal sense of direction is conducive to individuals’ effective arrival at their destinations. However, the characteristics of individuals with impaired sense of direction, compared to those with a normal sense of direction, in terms of spatial orientation remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we aim to explore the differences in spatial orientation between individuals with impaired sense of direction and those with normal sense of direction through an outdoor wayfinding experiment in an unfamiliar environment, focusing on two aspects: spatial visual attention and spatial knowledge acquisition. The results indicate that, compared with individuals with normal sense of direction, those with impaired sense of direction exhibited narrower scope of visual search, insufficient information acquisition, reduced efficiency in visual information processing, and uneven distribution of spatial visual attention towards the ordinary and prominent landmarks they pay attention to. Regarding spatial knowledge acquisition, individuals with impaired sense of direction struggled to effectively identify spatial relationships, had a poor spatial memory, existed different characteristics in spatial thinking. This study is helpful to understand the spatial cognitive traits of individuals with impaired sense of direction.