Have you ever wondered why some people are simply better at navigation skills than others?
These individuals rarely get lost, as they tend to be more observant of their surroundings wherever they go, compared to others.
Here are several reasons why some people have better navigation skills:
THERE'S A THING CALLED A COGNITIVE MAP
People with a strong cognitive map are able to build mental maps and recall them more easily, allowing them to stay aware of their surroundings and avoid getting lost, even without relying solely on directions.
Training a good cognitive map requires practice, where not always relying on directions helps, along with consistently being aware of landmarks in the surroundings.
SHARP SPATIAL AWARENESS
Spatial awareness, which is responsible for judging distances and sizes, avoiding obstacles, transitioning from one place to another and determining left from right, is sharper in some people.
This ability allows them to excel at visualising distances, angles and object placement in space. I
It not only prevents them from getting lost but also helps them stay safe.
ACTIVE HIPPOCAMPUS
The part of the brain that controls memory, emotion and the autonomic nervous system is actively used by people who never get lost.
It’s safe to say that their brain’s memory, which houses the navigation centre, is more developed than in others, further aiding in spatial reasoning, which is crucial for navigation.
ATTENTION TO LANDMARKS
People who are good at navigating always pay attention to landmarks, which is possible because they do not rely on GPS.
The use of GPS can distract from noticing checkpoints and landmarks that indicate a specific area.
These individuals consciously observe key reference points to build a mental reference system.
The better they recognise landmarks, the easier it is to find their way back.
THE USE OF DEAD RECKONING
When landmarks are not useful and someone finds themselves lost in an unfamiliar place, dead reckoning comes into play for those with strong survival instincts.
The better one is at using this skill, the higher the success rate of getting out of the situation.
People skilled in dead reckoning can estimate their position by tracking previous movements, distances and directions taken.
MINIMAL RELIANCE ON GPS
People who are good at navigating often rely on instinct, making GPS unnecessary.
Sometimes, they use it to further sharpen their skills, letting Waze and Google Maps take a back seat while focusing on identifying patterns and orienting themselves effectively in unfamiliar places.
This especially applies to those who aim to master navigation, including when they move to a new, unfamiliar area, so they do not have to depend on GPS to get around.
HIGH ADAPTABILITY TO NEW ENVIRONMENTS
People with high adaptability are better at recognising new patterns.
This skill not only helps them memorise landmarks more effectively but also reduces the likelihood of getting lost with minimal GPS usage.
Can you imagine a city where no one relies on their phone while driving?
Not only would this minimise the risk of accidents, but it would also protect your phone’s battery, help the environment and sharpen your natural navigation skills.
TRUST IN INSTINCTS
Finally, while protecting the environment is important, the ability to navigate well comes from within.
People who are good at navigating and rarely get lost tend to remain calm, enabling them to analyse their surroundings without panicking especially when they find themselves in an unfamiliar place.
A clear mind leads to better navigation decisions, which is only possible when staying composed.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Don’t assume that navigation skills are purely genetic or that there is a time limit to becoming good at them, where the older you are, the less likely you are to improve.
There is always time to train this skill with practice and awareness, especially by relying less on GPS.
Next time you travel, try not to use GPS too often, pay attention to landmarks, and trust your spatial instincts, you might become an expert at navigating in no time.