Being Present In Space: The Role Of Allocentric And Egocentric Reference Frames

The general aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of an interactive aerial view of the experienced environment during the encoding and retrieving of spatial information on the feeling of presence. Our findings showed that this real-time interactive aerial view (both small and large) during the encoding and retrieval of spatial information seems to led to a greater sense of presence. It is argued that the use of this aerial view, which provides a real-time allocentric viewpoint-dependent spatial representation, would ease the translation of a stored allocentric representation into an egocentric one, and this process, consequently, would help individuals to feel present in space.