I’ve always called it “map brain,” and am fascinated to watch people who don’t have that ability.
For example, my husband has been to the library and he has been to the grocery store. From home, he can get to either without any trouble. But if he’s at the grocery store and needs to go to the library? He’ll need to go home first. He just can’t visualize the steps if it’s a new path. He’s a brilliant guy, but he has a foggy brain map.
I’m pretty much the opposite, but what I love about GPS is that they’ll tell you which lane is optimal for the next exit. If it’s a new route, that’s super helpful.
Mine’s even slightly weirder - I’m trash at navigation in a car, on streets. Even if it’s somewhere I’ve been a bunch, once GPS became commonplace that part of my brain seems to have basically switched off or decayed somehow.
But outside, backpacking or even less demanding stuff, I have a great sense of direction. Plenty of successful solo trips, etc., very rarely feel turned around or confused. There’s probably a contribution caused by the differing level of effort, but it’s hard to put into words how my subconscious automatically provides a ton of help in the latter situation and zero in the former.
Fascinating, my GF and I are the same way. I have no idea which way is north, I have no idea which way I’m driving, while she can get around without GPS, even to new places.
I get around by memorizing the steps, left here, right there, etc. Daily commutes seem to happen automatically, there are days where I get to work and have no memory of the drive. Also feels like driving vs navigating is a completely different skillset, I’ve never been in an accident after 25+ years of driving, despite many close calls having to dodge other cars.
