When moving through space, we have to consider the route to the destination and gather real-world information to check that we are following this route correctly. In this study, we define spatial movement skill as this ability to associate information like maps and memory with real-world objects like signs and buildings. Without adequate spatial movement skills, people are liable to experience difficulties such as going around in circles and getting lost. Alleviating this problem requires better spatial movement skills, but few studies have considered how this can be achieved or supported, and we have found no research into how the improvement of these skills can be supported in practice. Since spatial cognition is always necessary for spatial movement, our aim in this study is to develop a spatial movement skill training system. To this end, we first overviewed the use of knowledge gained from the research literature on spatial cognition. From these related studies, we systematically summarized issues and challenges related to spatial movement and the stages of spatial information processing, and created a new learning model for the improvement of spatial movement skills. Then, based on this model, we developed a system that uses position information to support the improvement of spatial movement skills. Initial experiments with this system confirmed that its use promotes recognition from a global viewpoint to the current location and direction, resulting in the formation of a cognitive map, which suggests that it has an effect on spatial movement skills.

Digital map systems can be categorized, based on the support they provide, into map navigation systems and map touring systems. Map navigation systems put more focus on helping travelers finding routes or directions instantly. By contrast, map touring systems such as Google Maps running on desktop computers are built to support users in developing their routes and survey knowledge before they go for travel. In this paper, traveler conceptual models are proposed as an interaction paradigm to enhance user immersion and interaction experience on map touring systems. A map touring system, MapXplorer, is also introduced as a proof of concept with its system design and implementation explained in detail. Twenty participants were invited to join the user study that investigates users' performance and preferences on navigation and exploration tasks. The results of experiments show that the proposed system surpasses traditional map touring systems on both navigation and exploration tasks for about 50 percent on average, and provides better user experience.