Spatial

Spatial Orientation and Visualization

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Many government agencies across North America measure applicants on their spatial orientation and visualization capabilities. One test does this by measuring your ability to transfer flattened two-dimensional objects into three-dimensional objects by folding the object along dotted lines. A second test often used is to identify elements of an object, which will match the object's shape when combined. A third test you have to practice is picturing an object in one format and identifying it in a different configuration.

You should review the information below before taking the practice tests to get the most out of the course.

Folding Questions

These types are designed to measure your ability to transform a 2-dimensional diagram into a 3-dimensional object by folding the object along specified dotted lines. These tests just require a little practice and an explanation of how the process works.

When you view the 2-dimensional object the solid lines represent the shape of the pattern and the dashed lines represent fold lines. Attempt to visualize what this shape would look like if the object were folded along the dotted lines. Which of the two shapes does the flat pattern on the left represent, A or B?

If you fold each part along the dotted lines, you'd recognize that there are only 5 sides that are represented. The top of the box would therefore not be present. "A" would be the proper answer to this question.

This folding pattern would better represent "B". Most tests will force you to choose between four possible options.

Rounded Shapes

There are many examples in these tests of rounded shapes. You will often see a rounded or curved shape attached to a square, triangle or another object without dotted lines. These objects will not be folded, but may be bent or curved to match the shape of the curved object to which they are attached. For example:

In the above example the triangle is not creased, as point "A" is brought into contact with point "B". The circle is folded over to produce a cone shape as represented on the right. This can also happen with squares, rhombuses, and other objects. The lack of a dotted line indicates that the final shape will not be creased.

General Strategies

1) Observe the Types of Shapes

Many of the questions will become very complex and it may become very difficult to determine which is the correct 3-dimensional picture. Look for matching patterns. For example if there are rounded edges in the 2-dimensional shape, only look at 3-dimensional shapes with similar rounding edges. Eliminate objects with strictly straight edges. For example:

The first two ovjects are easily eliminated because they lack any round edge.

2) Find a Base

Looking at objects can be overwhelming especially complex ones with multiple folds. One option is to select a base and work from there. Locate that base from your options and work out from there. For example:

In the above example it would be helpful to pick out a base in the flattened object on the left. The "L" shaped base was selected. Concentrate on that aspect of the pattern, and make your folds from there. The result will be the shape on the right.

3) Eliminate as Many Choices as Possible, then Guess

You are not penalized if you guess incorrectly in these tests. Because there is a time limit, you must be efficient and use your time optimally. Do not waste too much time on one question. Look at your four options, eliminate as many as possible, and then take a guess which of the remaining ones it may be. Remember questions get more difficult throughout the test, so you should expect to spend more time on later questions then earlier ones. The tests are designed to prevent people from answering every possible question. Answer as many correctly as you can.

Puzzles - Object Compilations

These types of questions are very similar to puzzles you might have performed as a child. They are difficult because you have to be able to picture how the objects will be put together entirely in your head. If you have difficulty with these types of problems it would probably be a good idea to cut some basic shapes out of paper and practice manipulating them so you can see how they form together. Below are a couple of tips you should keep in mind when you are working on these types of problems.

Combinations

Do not get have misconceptions about how shapes can be placed together. Triangles are a perfect example of this. Observe the two triangles below and see the different shapes that can be formed.

Sizes

Make sure when you are combining shapes that you keep in mind correct proportions and sizes. Be careful that objects aren’t too large to combine together.

The green rectangle in this example is too long to fit in the gray box.

Eliminate as Many Choices as Possible, then Guess

Orientation Questions

You will be shown an object along with four other shapes as answer choices. One of the shapes will be the actual object, just reoriented in a different position. Your goal is to identify the object that matches the question object.

You should attempt to find base patterns with these orientation questions just as you would with the folding questions.

By viewing the top of the wings you can see that the rest of the objects fail to have the same shape on those sections. Options A and D are too narrow at the thick end, and option C has the wings come to a point. Only option B has the two exterior wings coming into contact as it occurs in the question object.

Facial Visualization Questions

Facial visualization questions are common in entrance exams. They test your powers of observation and ability to spot similarities and differences between suspects that look alike. This is a necessary skill as a police officer, as you will be asked to locate suspects with vague descriptions, or you may be dealing with an old photo or need to visualize what a suspect would look like with glasses, facial hair, etc.

The only assumption made with these questions is: that the suspect’s facial appearance has not changed in any permanent way. For example, a suspect might comb his or her hair differently, put on glasses, put on a different hat or grow facial hair. Any changes to bone structure, weight or facial features that would require plastic surgery, should be excluded.

Which of the following four suspects matches the man shown above?

You should focus on areas of the face that are difficult to change. As the red circles point out, in the first and third photos, there seems to be inconsistency with the cheek structure and general shape of the jaw. The jaw is too wide in the first photo and too narrow in the third. The fourth photo is a close match but the nose is not the right shape.

Some of the tests will use actual photographs of suspects, while others will use cartoon drawings of suspects. The same principles apply. Focus on:

- Shape of the head
- Shape and placement of the eyes
- Shape of the nose
- Shape of the chin
- Shape of the cheeks

Try to overlook or disregard any easy changes that a suspect can make to his/her appearance, such as:

- Change in hairstyle
- Glasses, hats and jewellery
- Change in facial hair

Eliminate as Many Choices as Possible, then Guess

You will not be penalized if you guess incorrectly in these tests. Because there is a time limit, you must be efficient and use your time optimally. Don’t waste too much time on one question. Look at your four options, eliminate as many as possible, and then guess which of the remaining ones is best. Remember, the questions will get more difficult throughout the test, so expect to spend more time on later questions than on the earlier ones.