Place recognition on maps with systematically-distorted geographic shapes.

Systematic nonlinear reprojection of the base map is one method for reducing the congestion of cartographic symbols on statistical maps. The resulting differential scale deformation can severely distort the shapes of some geographic units. An analysis of the experience, attitudes and performance on a place-recognition test of 83 undergraduate students suggests that basic geographic training has no significant effect on the spatial ability required to recognize and correct for systematic distortions of shape. Male subjects performed better than female subjects, and subjects with greater spatial ability considered nonlinear reprojection more cartographically acceptable than those performing poorly. -from Author