2026-09-10T09:44:33Z https://drops.dagstuhl.de/oai

oai:drops-oai.dagstuhl.de:27563 2026-09-10T05:38:43Z ddc:004 open_access

Structuring the Underwater Environment: A Taxonomy of Aquatic Landmarks (Short Paper) Nuhn, Eva Timpf, Sabine Aquatic navigation Underwater landmarks Spatial orientation Landmark taxonomy Diver perception 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. Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik Eva Nuhn and Sabine Timpf 2026 Is Part Of LIPIcs, Volume 393, 17th International Conference on Spatial Information Theory (COSIT 2026) InProceedings Text doc-type:ResearchArticle publishedVersion application/pdf doi:10.4230/LIPIcs.COSIT.2026.19 urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-275635 https://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/LIPIcs.COSIT.2026.19 eng https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode