Path efficiency indices
Gallagher proximity, Whishaw index, path efficiency ratio (ideal/actual distance), and initial heading error per trial.
CSVJSON
← Capabilities
Path Efficiency and Search Strategy
Quantify navigation strategy, not just destination
Gallagher proximity, Whishaw index, and heading error reveal how animals search — not just whether they find the target.
6
Search strategy types classified
4
Standard efficiency indices
33ms
Trajectory sampling resolution
0
Manual classification needed
The problem
Latency and distance miss the strategy behind the navigation
An animal that swims directly to a hidden platform and one that circles the perimeter before stumbling upon it may have similar latencies. Only path analysis reveals whether the animal is using spatial memory, visual guidance, or random search.
- Latency alone cannot distinguish spatial memory from lucky random search
- Total distance conflates efficient direct paths with circuitous ones of equal length
- Strategy classification (spatial, systematic, random) requires expert manual coding from trajectory plots
The solution
Established navigation metrics computed automatically
ConductVision calculates Gallagher proximity (cumulative distance from goal), Whishaw corridor index (percentage of path within ideal corridor), path efficiency ratio, and initial heading error — the standard battery of spatial navigation measures.
- Gallagher cumulative proximity: continuous measure of search accuracy across the entire trial
- Whishaw corridor index: percentage of swim path within the ideal direct corridor to the goal
- Automatic search strategy classification: direct, focal, scanning, chaining, thigmotaxis, random
Endpoints
Spatial navigation efficiency measures
Search strategy classification
Each trial classified as direct, focal, scanning, chaining, thigmotaxis, or random based on trajectory features.
CSV
Strategy progression across training
Multi-trial strategy transition matrix showing learning progression from random to spatial strategies across training days.
CSVPNG
Applications
Spatial navigation paradigms
Morris water maze learning curves
Path efficiency indices reveal learning trajectory more sensitively than latency alone. Strategy progression shows when animals transition from random to spatial search.
Measures
- Gallagher proximity by day
- Strategy classification per trial
- Path efficiency progression
Barnes maze probe trials
Probe trial search strategies distinguish spatial memory (direct/focal search near target) from procedural memory (serial search of holes).
Measures
- Primary search strategy
- Proximity to target hole
- Errors before target
Radial arm maze efficiency
Path efficiency in the radial arm maze captures whether animals use optimal win-shift strategy or revisit previously baited arms.
Measures
- Working memory errors
- Reference memory errors
- Path efficiency ratio
Age-related strategy decline
Aged animals revert from spatial to non-spatial strategies. Strategy classification tracks this regression quantitatively across age groups.
Measures
- Strategy type by age
- Efficiency decline rate
- Strategy regression onset
Compared to typical systems
How ConductVision differs
| Feature | ConductVision | Typical systems |
|---|---|---|
| Gallagher proximity measure | Built-in, automatic | Custom R/Python scripts required |
| Whishaw corridor index | Built-in, configurable corridor | Rarely available |
| Search strategy classification | 6 strategies, automatic | Manual expert classification |
| Multi-trial progression | Strategy transition matrix | Trial-by-trial manual coding |
| Heading error analysis | Initial and cumulative heading error | Not typically available |
Related capabilities
Locomotor Pattern Classification
Automated spatial movement strategy classification with 8 locomotor pattern types.
Zone and Spatial Analysis
Configurable spatial zones with automated dwell time, entry count, and heatmap analysis for any arena.
Heatmap Visualization
Real-time spatial occupancy heatmaps with color-coded density overlays on the arena view.
See the strategy behind the navigation
Upload water maze or Barnes maze recordings for automatic path efficiency analysis.
