Investigating Representations of Places with Unclear Spatial Extent in Sketch Maps

This study analyzes different ways of representing vaguely defined places from a set of sketch maps specifically when used in giving route instructions. A total of 30 participants who are familiar with the study area were asked to sketch a route map consisting of pre-identified set of places. The task involved two groups: intra-city route and inter-city route. Sketch maps were analyzed using a previously developed classification scheme to investigate how places with unclear spatial extent are represented. These were then classified into different category of places: district, site and neighborhood. Results showed that labels and regular shapes are the most preferred, as opposed to other types of sketch representations, regardless of the category of place. It also occurred that a specific place can be classified under one or more categories, which influences the type of sketch representation used.