Learning Map Interpretation: Skill Acquisition and Underlying Abilities

The effectiveness of the Map Interpretation and Terrain Association Course (MITAC) was evaluated. MITAC instruction significantly improved subjects' ability to perform terrain association, a critical skill in position location. In addition, individual differences in spatial abilities were assessed to identify cognitive components underlying map interpretation. Two components, orientation and mental rotation, were found to be equally important for predicting real world position location, while orientation alone was related to course success. Comparison of experimental and control groups' spatial aptitude scores indicated that the success of MITAC in improving terrain association was not a result of increased spatial aptitude. Instead, the course was effective because it taught a procedural orientation strategy that can be learned by those with low spatial ability. Finally, field and classroom performance were compared to wayfinding in a virtual (video game) environment in which position coordinates were available during play. Game performance was significantly related to both field and classroom performance, and to spatial aptitude.