Poster Presentation at ICSC
Visual landmarks have been identified as crucial for navigation. However, sometimes visual information is not available. Then, landmarks from other modalities could be used in a complementary way. Studies are investigating which olfactory/auditory cues are most used. Maps showing where auditory or olfactory cues occur are needed to use these modalities for navigation. We investigate how this information can be systematically mapped and made available for further use (e.g., route descriptions) and for different groups (e.g., blind, elderly people). We use focus group interviews, online, and field studies to identify classes for three modalities (sound, smell, vision) in urban environments. We develop a taxonomy as a basis for field mapping of these modalities using geoinformation methods. The results are maps with information about auditory, olfactory, and visual cues. These maps can be used for a variety of purposes, including navigation, urban planning, and design. This study is a step towards the integration of modalities other than vision in pedestrian navigation systems. This advances the adaptation of navigation systems to different users.