Previous research suggests that considerable useability benefits may arise from using landmarks (e.g. traffic lights, churches, bridges) within the turn-by-turn visual and voice directions provided by in-vehicle route guidance systems. If landmarks are to become an integral part of future systems, then it is imperative that a) the most appropriate landmarks are selected for presentation, b) such landmarks are shown to the driver in the most effective way, and c) the practical needs of industry are fully accounted for. REGIONAL is a UK government-funded research project which is investigating all of these issues. This paper briefly describes the results of an initial direction-giving study which aimed to establish which landmarks are valued for navigation and their salient characteristics. The study revealed the significance of 'road furniture' landmarks, such as traffic lights, pedestrian crossings and petrol stations. Prospective attributes of these landmarks include permanence, visibility, location in relation to a decision point, and uniqueness.
Abstract