<b>What is the difference of spatial visual attention and </b><b>spatial </b><b>confidence </b><b>during </b><b>self-localization</b><b> in an unfamiliar</b><b> </b><b>environment </b><b>between poor and good sense of direction</b><b>?</b>

Sense of direction is vital for self-localization, particularly in an unfamiliar environment, where individuals with varying sense of direction exhibit notable differences in spatial performance. However, the visual attention mechanisms and psychological representations that underlie these differences remain insufficiently understood int existing research. In this study, we conducted an empirical outdoor self-localization experiment with individuals having a poor or good sense of direction, focusing on two aspects: spatial visual attention and spatial confidence. The results revealed that, compared with individuals with a good sense of direction, those with a poor sense of direction adopted a more cautious and deliberate visual search strategy. They also demonstrated less efficient visual information processing, weaker cognitive abilities, and uneven allocation of spatial visual attention. Additionally, their spatial confidence was lower. These findings provide valuable insights into the spatial cognitive traits of individuals with varying sense of direction during self-localization.