Agent-based modelling of cognitive navigation: How spatial knowledge is constructed and used

Human activities are embedded in the space. People need to know where they are (positioning) and how they can arrive to their destination (wayfinding). Among several navigation aids (e.g., maps and satellite navigation systems), they may use their spatial knowledge (i.e., cognitive map) for this aim, especially in familiar spaces. This paper presents an agent-based modelling of how spatial knowledge is constructed and how it is used in positioning and wayfinding. It is a step toward understanding the human spatial behavior, which leads to a more consistent deployment of technology with the human spatial cognition, as well as optimizing the environment to ease the construction of spatial knowledge and navigation in the environment.