Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 2
Landmarks: A Thought Experiment
Abstract A thought experiment illustrates the fundamental role of landmarks for
spatial abilities such as memory, orientation and wayfinding, and especially for
human communication about space. We take a constructive approach, starting from
a void environment and adding experiences supporting spatial abilities.
2.1
Experiment
In 1984 the neuroscientist Braitenberg presented a fascinating thought experiment
by constructing increasingly complex 'vehicles' from a small set of primitive
abilities [ 3 ] . Already with a few of these abilities combined the 'vehicles' showed
a complex behavior hard to predict. Braitenberg introduced his experiment with the
words ([ 3 ] , p. 2):
We will talk only about machines with very simple internal structures, too simple in fact
to be interesting from the point of view of mechanical or electrical engineering. Interest
arises, rather, when we look at these machines or vehicles as if they were animals in a
natural environment. We will be tempted, then, to use psychological language in describing
their behavior. And yet we know very well that there is nothing in these vehicles that we
have not put in ourselves.
Braitenberg explained a complex system—such as the brain, or human behavior
controlled by the brain—by demonstrating that a combination of a few simple
modules already develops complex behavior. A similar approach of constructing
complex systems from simple mechanisms was also taken by Couclelis [ 5 ] to
explain self-organization of urban dynamics, or by Both et al. [ 2 ] to speculate how
complex spatiotemporal behavior arises from spatiotemporal knowledge.
Let us devise an experiment in a similar vein. We pose a few simple modules for
human orientation and wayfinding in an environment in order to see how the central
role of landmark experiences arises quickly.
 
 
 
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