These include scale transformations, rubber sheeting, and rotation, all of which must be accounted for when designing a map of reality. Maps have numerous characteristics that facilitate environmental learning. Maps can also include information beyond that which is perceivable in the reality. A critical attribute in map presentation is the style employed, and as a result, the complexity of the information which is included on the map. Maps used to summarize geographic information include thematic, choropleth and topographic maps and are meant to display, accurately, ample information about the environment for diverse applications.
Maps designed as wayfinding tools, on the other hand, have a completely different purpose.
They are specifically intended to assist in nav igation and improve accuracy in movement through the environment. Maps designed as wayfinding tools generally focus on a variety of wayfinding cues. Routes through the environment are clearly visible, landmarks and cues are made apparent and orientation is explicit at a minimum of one scale, and potentially more. Maps used in research applications are often altered in some way so the effect of the alteration can be gauged within one of the above areas of map design. Some goals of this type of research include increasing wayfinding efficiency and improving information storage on thematic maps for information retrieval.