Figure 1.

(a–e) Different types of information fields. The information field can either (a) be constant, (b) increase or (c) decrease as an individual approaches the target location, (d) contain a region of negligible information or (e) be randomly distributed. (f–i) Schematic highlighting the differences between (f) individual navigation and (g–i) collective navigation. For individual navigation, differences in navigation ability arise due to differences in the local inherent information. For collective navigation, differences in navigation ability may arise from (g) observing other individuals heading in similar directions, (h) observing other individuals in higher information regions, or (i) observing more individuals. We illustrate how this increase in navigation performance occurs by presenting (j,k) the von Mises distributions (magenta) inferred from sets of observed headings that (j) are clustered to various degrees around a central heading or (k) include different numbers of observations. Distributions that are concentrated around the peak indicate decreased navigation uncertainty, as an individual is more likely to move in the direction of the target. Colours in the histograms indicate navigation ability, as in (f–i).