Evaluation of subjective preferences regarding indoor maps: comparison of schematic maps and floor plans

Abstract

In this study, we investigate subjective preferences regarding floor plans and schematic maps in the use of a map in an indoor environment. To achieve this, we performed a qualitative experiment with a random user sample; the survey was carried out remotely. The survey was conducted in Portuguese and English, and users were asked to answer questions, using two different maps:a floor plan and a schematic map. In the sequence, users were asked questions about their preferences regarding map use in an indoor environment. Users also answered questions about the positive and negative aspects of using a schematic map in an indoor environment. The initial results do not indicate a preference for one kind of map, but show that users found the symbology adopted in the schematic map easier to understand.