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Volume 15
Issue 5
10.3390/ijgi15050227
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Article

Enhancing Spatial Orientation and Map-Reading Skills: Using Mental Maps and VR in Field Trips for Geography Students

by
Péter Czomba
1,2,
Klára Czimre
2,3,*,
Károly Teperics
2,3,
Gyöngyi Bujdosó
3,4,
Ernő Molnár
2,3,
Gábor Négyesi
5 and
Bálint Bence Juhász
3,6
1
Institute of Environmental and Natural Sciences, University of Nyíregyháza, 4400 Nyíregyháza, Hungary
2
Department of Social Geography and Regional Development Planning, Institute of Geosciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, 4010 Debrecen, Hungary
3
MTA-SZTE Research Group on Geography Teaching and Learning, University of Szeged, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
4
Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Informatics, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
5
Department of Physical Geography and Geoinformatics, Institute of Geosciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, 4010 Debrecen, Hungary
6
Institute of Technology and Agricultural Sciences, University of Nyíregyháza, 4400 Nyíregyháza, Hungary
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2026, 15(5), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi15050227
Submission received: 28 March 2026 / Revised: 6 May 2026 / Accepted: 18 May 2026 / Published: 21 May 2026
Versions Notes

Abstract

Enhancing spatial orientation and map-reading skills is a cornerstone of geography education, yet the comparative efficacy of physical versus virtual reality learning environments (VRLEs) remains a subject of ongoing debate. This study evaluates the development of navigational competencies through a counterbalanced crossover experimental design involving 20 geography and geography teacher major students. Participants performed standardized spatial tasks, including bearing calculation and distance estimation, in both the volcanic landscape of the Tapolca Basin, Hungary, and its smartphone-based 360-degree virtual reality (VR) counterpart. To assess longitudinal retention and cross-modal transfer, a three-month interval was maintained between the two learning phases, supported by a robust pre-test/post-test framework. Results indicate that while both environments are susceptible to spatial distortions driven by the visual dominance of physiographic landmarks, VR-based training effectively scaffolds the cognitive frameworks required for real-world navigation. The findings confirm that spatial mental models acquired in a virtual setting possess significant cognitive resilience, as navigational accuracy was maintained over the three-month interval. In conclusion, this research justifies a hybrid pedagogical approach, where immersive digital simulations serve as a preparatory tool for physical fieldwork. The synergy of both modalities is essential for cultivating the resilient spatial intelligence required for professional geographic practice.
Keywords: virtual reality (VR); virtual reality learning environment (VRLE); virtual field trip (VFT); spatial orientation; map-reading; geography education; collaborative learning; crossover design; Balaton Uplands virtual reality (VR); virtual reality learning environment (VRLE); virtual field trip (VFT); spatial orientation; map-reading; geography education; collaborative learning; crossover design; Balaton Uplands

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MDPI and ACS Style

Czomba, P.; Czimre, K.; Teperics, K.; Bujdosó, G.; Molnár, E.; Négyesi, G.; Juhász, B.B. Enhancing Spatial Orientation and Map-Reading Skills: Using Mental Maps and VR in Field Trips for Geography Students. ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2026, 15, 227. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi15050227

AMA Style

Czomba P, Czimre K, Teperics K, Bujdosó G, Molnár E, Négyesi G, Juhász BB. Enhancing Spatial Orientation and Map-Reading Skills: Using Mental Maps and VR in Field Trips for Geography Students. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information. 2026; 15(5):227. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi15050227

Chicago/Turabian Style

Czomba, Péter, Klára Czimre, Károly Teperics, Gyöngyi Bujdosó, Ernő Molnár, Gábor Négyesi, and Bálint Bence Juhász. 2026. "Enhancing Spatial Orientation and Map-Reading Skills: Using Mental Maps and VR in Field Trips for Geography Students" ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information 15, no. 5: 227. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi15050227

APA Style

Czomba, P., Czimre, K., Teperics, K., Bujdosó, G., Molnár, E., Négyesi, G., & Juhász, B. B. (2026). Enhancing Spatial Orientation and Map-Reading Skills: Using Mental Maps and VR in Field Trips for Geography Students. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 15(5), 227. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi15050227

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