Uncertainty in Wayfinding: A Conceptual Framework and Agent-Based Model

Abstract

Though the wayfinding process is inherently uncertain, most models of wayfinding do not offer sufficient possibilities for modeling uncertainty. Such modeling approaches, however, are required to engineer assistance systems that recognize, predict, and react to a wayfinder's uncertainty. This paper introduces a conceptual framework for modeling uncertainty in wayfinding. It is supposed that uncertainty when following route instructions in wayfinding is caused by non-deterministic spatial reference system transformations. The uncertainty experienced by a wayfinder varies over time and depends on how well wayfinding instructions fit with the environment. The conceptual framework includes individual differences regarding wayfinding skills and regarding uncertainty tolerance. It is implemented as an agent-based model, based on the belief-desire-intention (BDI) framework. The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated with agent-based simulations.