GPS Use and Navigation Ability: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Is the use of GPS (Global Positioning System) changing our ability to orient and navigate in the environment?
GPS localization systems support us in both familiar and unfamiliar environments and, undoubtedly, allow us to quickly reach our desired destination. Although this technology is widely used, the effects of GPS use on spatial navigation abilities—specifically how we orient and learn about an environment—remain a topic of debate.
The article "GPS use and navigation ability: A systematic review and meta-analysis" delves into the relationship between GPS use and crucial components of navigation ability: spatial knowledge and learning, wayfinding ability, and sense of orientation, through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Out of 907 articles, 23 studies were included and analyzed in the systematic review, while 18 studies were considered for the meta-analysis. The results showed that while GPS use facilitates the efficient achievement of a destination, it also has a negative relationship with the ability to create an adequate mental representation of the environment and with perceived sense of direction. The methodological assessment of the studies highlights certain limitations (69% of the studies present a high risk of methodological bias) that should be taken into account for future research in this field.
In general, although GPS is a useful tool for navigation, it is important to consider the potential negative effects on spatial representation skills by promoting a more strategic use of this technology.

Authors: Miola, L., Muffato, V., Sella, E., Meneghetti, C., & Pazzaglia, F. (2024). GPS Use and Navigation Ability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 102417.
Complete article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272494424001907?casa...