Spatial Navigation

The cognitive process of determining and following a route from one location to another, involving the ability to remain oriented, recall routines, recognize landmarks, and make decisions at choice points such as intersections and turns. Spatial navigation relies on a combination of cognitive abilities including spatial memory, mental mapping, landmark recognition, and route planning. People with cognitive impairments — such as those resulting from traumatic brain injury, dementia, intellectual disability, or schizophrenia — often experience significant difficulties with spatial navigation, which limits their ability to travel independently and access employment, community services, and social activities. Assistive technologies such as context-aware wayfinding systems can support spatial navigation by providing just-in-time directional cues at decision points.