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Structuring the Underwater Environment: A Taxonomy of Aquatic Landmarks (Short Paper)

Authors Eva Nuhn , Sabine Timpf

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Subject Classification

ACM Subject Classification
  • Human-centered computing → Empirical studies in HCI
  • Human-centered computing → Interaction design theory, concepts and paradigms
Keywords
  • Aquatic navigation
  • Underwater landmarks
  • Spatial orientation
  • Landmark taxonomy
  • Diver perception

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Abstract

Effective navigation in aquatic environments relies on the perception and use of environmental cues, or landmarks, that provide spatial orientation and facilitate wayfinding. While much research has focused on terrestrial and urban landmarks, comparatively little is known about underwater landmarks and how divers perceive and use them. Thirty-eight participants completed an online survey and provided information on the use and perception of underwater landmarks. Rock formations and caves, seabed features, and wrecks are the most frequently selected underwater landmarks, with no significant differences observed between recreational and professional divers or among different experience levels. Based on the results of the survey, we develop a data-driven taxonomy of aquatic landmarks comprising three top-level classes: Natural Landmarks, Artificial Landmarks, and Environmental Conditions. The taxonomy provides a structured framework for understanding underwater spatial orientation and serves as a foundation for future research, cognitive mapping studies, and the development of navigational aids in aquatic settings.

Cite As Get BibTex

Eva Nuhn and Sabine Timpf. Structuring the Underwater Environment: A Taxonomy of Aquatic Landmarks (Short Paper). In 17th International Conference on Spatial Information Theory (COSIT 2026). Leibniz International Proceedings in Informatics (LIPIcs), Volume 393, pp. 19:1-19:8, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2026) https://doi.org/10.4230/LIPIcs.COSIT.2026.19

Author Details

Eva Nuhn
  • Geoinformatics Group, University of Augsburg, Germany
Sabine Timpf
  • Geoinformatics Group, University of Augsburg, Germany

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the student who conducted the survey.

Supplementary Materials

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