Abstract:

Landmark learning refers to the process of analyzing and acquiring the landmark information. Path integration is the process that navigators keep updating the representations of their positions via integrating self-motion information (vestibular, proprioceptive, visual, etc.). Both landmark learning and path integration are key issues in the current human spatial navigation research. In the present study, we analyzed and compared the findings of the extent studies in the literature of landmark learning and path integration research. In particular, the following questions guided this study: 1) Whether, in normal spatial navigation, a navigator processes landmark learning and integrating self-motion information simultaneously? 2) Whether is it more efficient for the navigator to use both landmark information and self-motion information than using either information alone? and 3). What is the nature of the interaction between the two processes, i.e., whether landmark learning and path integration interfere with or enhance each other? Future research should pay more attention to the effects of spatial clues on navigation behaviors, and use virtual reality technology or other tools to delve into the appropriate information processing mechanisms.

Key words: navigation, landmark learning, self-motion information, path integration