Variable Granularity in Route Directions

This paper addresses changes of spatial granularity in route directions in relation to information needs in multi-modal traveling. We outline a model of variability in granularity and apply this model to empirical data. Results reveal that human as well as computer generated route directions provide onedimensional route elements in hierarchically structured ways that reflect the salient structure imposed by multi-modal traveling. However, human route directions account for asymmetric information needs in a more flexible and coherent way. In particular, they exhibit more flexibility regarding switches in areal granularity, and they provide more detailed information at complex locations or decision points.