The human brain has an amazing capacity to remember journeys. Think of a walk, drive or cycle you do often. You know which way to turn and how to get there. The frequent travel has created a memory map in your mind.
But what about when you go somewhere you don’t know? A friend or a family member can help you, and we have the amazing technology of Google or Apple maps. A blue dot marks the spot so you need never get lost.
But is there a downside to relying on technology? Phones can run out of charge, and maps can occasionally be incorrect if they haven’t been updated. Sometimes it can even be dangerous to walk while staring at your phone, rather than your environment.
Being focused on trying to find the way can also mean that you pay less attention to your surroundings. You might miss noticing a beautiful landscape on a country walk, or a cute dog in the city. All these small moments can make travel more fun, and help you to enjoy the journey, rather than just being focused on the destination.
Can it be learned?
Another downside to relying on technology is that it may interfere with the brain’s natural ability to find your way. ‘Use it or lose it’ is a phrase that refers to how practice is needed to maintain an ability. The word ‘neuroplasticity’ describes how neurons in the brain change and adapt according to experience.
People sometimes refer to themselves or others as having a good or bad sense of direction, but research seems to suggest that this ability is a skill that develops through practice. A study published in the journal Nature measured the spatial abilities of people who grew up in the country, or in more spatially complex cities, such as Prague, rather than simple-to-navigate cities such as Chicago. The researchers found that those who grew up in the country or in complex cities were better able to navigate as adults than those who grow up in simple places.
London taxi drivers are well-known for their ability to memorise routes. They take an exam of travel routes across London that requires three or four years to learn. Taxi drivers show growth in the hippocampus – a part of the brain that stores our memories.
These examples show that experience helps to shape our brains, and if you want to improve your sense of direction, all you need to do is practice! Developing your sense of direction can be fun, and give you a sense of accomplishment as you remember routes or show friends and family the way. Here are a few tips on how to get started.
How to build a mental map
When on a familiar route
Practise noticing. Look for buildings, trees or a landscape that stand out to you. Do you know which way is north? If you were going to give verbal directions to a friend to a particular destination, what would you say? Are there any landmarks you could tell them to look out for?
When being driven
Passengers tend to remember directions less well than if they were driving themselves. As you’re being driven, see if you can remember the next turning. If not, look out for landmarks and try to imprint it on your memory. Test yourself next time to see if you do better!
Plan in advance
Look at where you want to get to, and choose a route rather than letting Google decide for you. Notice the turnings you’ll take, the street names and landmarks. Write them down on paper if needed. When it comes to starting the route, see how much you can remember. Check your phone only when you need to.
Stop and notice
As you walk, stop and notice from time to time. What landmarks stand out? Maybe there’s a particular shop or church that draws your attention. Try to make a mental map of the things you see to help remember your way next time or on the way back.
Look back
If your route isn’t circular, then look back occasionally. This can help you to visualise what the route will look like on the return journey.
Have a guess
If you are with someone else who already knows the way, like a parent, or friend, then play a guessing game with yourself. Which way do you think you are going to turn? If you’re navigating using a phone you could guess first before looking at it.
Take the scenic route
Humans tend to learn from their mistakes, so when it comes to finding your way, getting lost is key! When you have time to spare, look at your map just once or twice to figure out the general direction. Then play a guessing game to choose which way to turn. This can be a great way to learn to find your way in a new city.
Remember! Only do this when it is safe to do so, either when you’re with an adult, or you aren’t anywhere too remote.
Make your own map
- Draw your house in the middle of the paper
- Add your road and any others that come off it
- What landmarks are nearby? Is there a park, a bus stop, a shop or school? Try to add at least three
- Add some trees – are there any on your road?
- Draw a compass. Work out which way is north – remember, the Sun rises in the east.
- Fill in the blanks with anything else you can remember. Can you sketch a route to a friend’s house?