Smelling the Way: Olfactory Modulation of Spatial Estimation and Path Integration in Virtual Reality

Abstract

Spatial cognition enables individuals to perceive and interpret spatial relationships, estimate locations, and navigate within their surroundings. While vision plays a dominant role, other sensory modalities, particularly olfaction, can support spatial processing when visual cues are limited. This paper explores the effects of scent-delivery within virtual reality (VR) environments by using fan-mediated olfactory devices. We conducted two formal studies to evaluate the effects on spatial information acquisition. Study 1 (N=24) examined the participants' ability to localize a scent source while walking a linear path using two different olfactory devices. Study 2 (N=19) employed a triangle completion task, in which participants attempted to return to their starting point under varying rotation angles and olfactory conditions. Results indicate that scent-delivery feedback influenced spatial behavior in distinct ways across the two studies. In Study 1, visual-olfactory misalignment produced systematic directional biases without improving absolute localization accuracy. In Study 2, distance-modulated scent-delivery feedback reduced terminal homing error but also increased traveled distance and completion time, suggesting a more deliberate goal-confirmation strategy.