Measurement methods of spatial ability using a virtual reality system

Some people cannot effectively utilize pedestrian navigation systems due to their limited spatial ability. To provide guidance in consideration of an individual's spatial ability, measuring spatial ability is necessary. In this paper, we propose measurement methods for spatial ability using a virtual reality system. We studied spatial ability in terms of movement towards a destination. Then, we considered methods to measure the ability. To carry out experiments for validation of these methods' effectiveness, we developed a virtual reality system that provides virtual walking experiences using a pedestrian navigation system. Using this system, we carried out experiments measuring two abilities: recognizing the subject's location; and recognizing the direction with respect to the destination. Also, we got subjects to answer a questionnaire about the sense of direction with experiments with which our objective data was compared. As a result, the experiment for recognizing the subject's location made clear individual differences and gender differences. Also, from the result of experiment for recognizing direction towards the destination, subjects were divided into three groups: "Good at recognizing direction"; "Weak at recognizing direction"; and "Taking a long time to recognize direction". These results were substantially consistent with their self-assessment.