Zooming in–zooming out hierarchies in place descriptions

Abstract

Hierarchical place descriptions are a common means for people to communicate about place. Within them hierarchically ordered elements are linked by explicit or implicit relationships. This study analyses place descriptions collected in a mobile game, investigating hierarchies based on a classification of spatial granularity. The main findings show a dominance of hierarchical structures in place descriptions, but also a considerable number of deviations. Deviations are explained by principles other than spatial granularity, such as the presence of salient features and other construction principles. We conclude the need for and significance of more flexible models of hierarchies in the interaction with users of location-based services.