Cognitive correlates of map-reading ability

The performance of ROTC students on the Relief Format Assessment Test (RFAT) was regressed on psychometric variables and a measure of hemisphericity. Contrary to expectation, it was found that measures of visual-spatial ability and hemisphericity were not good predictors of map-reading ability, whereas the Extended Range Vocabulary and Mathematical Aptitude Tests were significant predictors. Factor analysis of the RFAT indicated the existence of two factors, one tentatively associated with terrain analysis and the other with altitude estimation. Mathematical Aptitude along with Form Board predicted performance on the altitude estimation factor, whereas Extended Range Vocabulary along with Similarities and Institution predicted performance on the terrain analysis factor. These results suggest that at least for our subjects, the solution of map-reading problems is primarily dependent upon verbal-analytic and to a lesser extent upon visual-spatial ability.