Resumen
Map design and usability issues are crucial when considering different device orientations. It is visible, especially in exploring the topographical space in landscape or portrait orientation on the mobile phone. In this study, we aim to reveal the main differences and similarities among participants? performance in a map-based task. The study presents an original research scheme, including establishing conceptual assumptions, developing map applications with gaming elements, user testing, and visualizing results. It appears that the different phone orientation triggers different visual strategy. This transfers into decision-making about the path selection. It turned out that in landscape orientation, participants preferred paths oriented east?west. On the other hand, portrait orientation supported north?south path selection. However, considering the given task accomplishment, both mobile phones? orientations are adequate for the exploration of topographical space.