Schematizing maps for wayfinding tasks: The role of 45° angular constraints, prototypical branching points and urban components

In many wayfinding situations schematic maps are ideal tools for depicting information about the physical environment. In this study, the critical role played by geometrical information (45° constraints and a taxonomy of prototypical branching points), and by semantic information (different urban components in the city) in the construction of qualitative and abstract maps for wayfinding tasks is empirically evaluated. A main focus is set on the analysis of branching points schematization, and on road simplification according to major hierarchies. Implications for spatial navigation tasks are discussed.