Spatial Updating in VR Navigation: Effects of Locomotion Action Fidelity and Visual Fidelity

Locomotion is an essential component of VR interaction. And locomotion methods differ in action fidelity, potentially altering the body-based cues that support spatial updating during navigation. This study examined how locomotion action fidelity and visual fidelity modulate navigation behavior in virtual environments. We compared three locomotion methods with progressively increasing action fidelity: joystick, arm-swing, and omnidirectional treadmill across scenes with four levels of visual fidelity. Spatial updating in navigation behavior was assessed with trajectory maintenance, target accuracy, and directional regulation relative to the reference route and target. Perceived sickness and workload were additionally measured. Results showed that visual fidelity systematically influenced navigation behavior. Moreover, locomotion method significantly affected workload in navigation, ODT associated with higher mental and physical demand and joystick with poorer self-rated performance.