Are people able to develop cognitive maps of virtual environments while performing a wayfinding task?

ABSTRACT The main goal of this pilot study is to investigate the ability in developing a cognitive map after an interaction with a simple immersive VR system. The influence of environmental cues in cognitive mapping ability was also investigated. Two experimental conditions were considered, one Neutral (without signs which facilitate the task execution) and the other Dynamic (with signs to facilitate the task execution). 28 participants had to perform 4 tasks in the environment. A mapidentification method was used. The escape route, contrary to expectations, were identified as fundamental for plant identification instead the number of the rooms or the corridors intersection. We did not find correlations between the distance travelled and experimental conditions with the plant choice. However, findings suggest that users are able to acquire basic spatial knowledge after interacting with simple immersive VR system.