The nature of navigation: some difficult cognitive issues in automatic vehicle navigation

The author seeks to demonstrate that finding one´s way from place to place while driving a car is a complex cognitive task, and that authentic computer-based assistance to drivers must come from devices and systems significantly different from the digital dashboard maps hitherto offered. She discusses the appropriate uses of electronic maps, the map as a way-finding tool, and roles for the computer beyond maps. It is concluded that computers are unlikely to replace human drivers in any significant way, but there are many ways to supplement the human driver´s skills and knowledge. Particular attention is given to the development of databases containing significant amounts of destination-related data and software, particularly those that organize information by address (proximity).<>