Spatial Relations Tests

Spatial relations tests are a type of cognitive assessment that measure ability to mentally manipulate and visualize objects in different dimensions, from two-dimensional shapes to complex three-dimensional objects. Questions usually ask you to disassemble or assemble objects, complete shapes or patterns, orientate objects in space, and correctly infer how 2D and 3D objects connect and relate to the space around them. The difficulty level varies considerably depending on the position. Variations of the spatial relations test include the r-cube-sr test, r-cube-vis test, and visualization tests.

Purpose of Spatial Relations Tests

Spatial Relations Tests are essential assessments that employers use to gauge a candidate’s multi-dimensional thinking capability as well as, abstract reasoning, cognitive ability, and visualization abilities.

Spatial relations tests assess candidate’s abilities in jobs where the relationships between people, objects, and the environment are critical, such as engineering, architecture, and design. These positions require spatial skill, to accurately interpret blueprints, recognize patterns, and manipulate 2D and 3D objects.

Employers regard multi-dimensional thinking as a vital skill for success in various jobs, including engineering, agriculture, and health care.

Architecture and Engineering. These positions require strong spatial awareness to design and plan structures, visualize blueprints, and understand spatial relationships between building components.
Design Almost any position in the design field such as graphic design, interior design, industrial design, and animation require strong spatial ability to create visually appealing and functional design.
Surveying and Cartography Surveyors and cartographers rely on spatial relations skills to measure and map land areas, determine boundaries, and accurately represent geographical features.
Aviation and Piloting Pilots and air traffic controllers use spatial skills to navigate aircraft, interpret aviation charts, and maintain safe distances between planes.
Geology and Geography Geologists and geographers use spatial awareness to interpret geological formations, analyze topographic maps, and understand relationships between landforms and natural resources.
Construction and Trades Jobs in construction, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work use spatial skills to read blueprints, visualize how components fit together, and determine measurements for installations. Canada Trades Entrance Test Alberta Trades
Medicine and Radiology Medical professionals, including surgeons and radiologists, rely on spatial awareness for tasks such as interpreting medical imaging scans, planning surgical procedures, and understanding anatomical relationships.
Urban Planning and GIS Urban planners and Geographic Information System (GIS) specialists use spatial relations skills to analyze and map data, plan infrastructure, and make informed decisions about land use and development.
Military and Defense Military personnel, especially in fields like artillery, intelligence analysis, and navigation, require strong spatial abilities for tasks such as reading maps, estimating distances, and planning strategic operations. Canadian Forces Test TAFC
Firefighting and Emergency Response Firefighters and emergency responders often face complex spatial situations, making spatial awareness crucial for understanding building layouts, identifying escape routes, and coordinating rescue efforts. Canadian Firefighter Test

This type of spatial relations question involves identifying patterns formed when objects are folded or assembled. You need to determine the resulting pattern based on the arrangement of sides, corners, or markings. These questions assess your ability to visualize the arrangement of objects in space and identify the patterns that emerge from their transformations.

Example Question

When folded into a loop, what will the strip of paper look like?

Answer: C

Pattern Recognition Practice Questions

Spatial relations assembly questions present a set of two- or three-dimensional pieces or components. You are required to select the figure that represents the correct assembly of the given pieces. These questions evaluate your ability to mentally manipulate and arrange objects to form a coherent structure.

Example Question

Which figure represents the assembly of the following pieces?

Answer: B
If two pieces have the same number at the position shown, it means that point is a junction point. Here, the cylindrical rod is at center of the rectangular platform, the small cubes are below the platform at its edges and the disc is above the rod.

Assembly Practice Questions

Two groups of different shapes are presented, some are similar and some different. Many of the shapes are similar but not the same. Some shapes are rotated. You are asked to find the matching pairs of shapes.

Example Question

Which of the following set of matching pairs are correct?

a. 1-f 3-g 10-k
b. 7-c 9-d 1-j
c. 4-h 11-c 9-d
d. 8-j 5-g 9-d

Answer: D
Choice D is correct as 8 and j both represent circles, 5 and g both represents four pointed stars, while 9 and d both represent right triangles.

Common Mistakes on Spatial Relations Questions

Misinterpreting the folding or assembly instructions. Spatial relations questions often involve mentally manipulating two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects, folding or assembling to form a particular shape or pattern. A common mistake is misinterpreting, not following, or not understanding the directions. This leads to incorrect answers, based on a flawed understanding of the folding or assembling process.

Not visualize the transformations accurately. Spatial relations questions require you to mentally visualize the transformations of objects. Incorrect visualization results in selecting an incorrect answer that do not correspond to the actual transformation.

Attention to detail. Spatial relations questions often involve very subtle differences in shapes, patterns, or positions. It is important to carefully analyze the given shapes and patterns to identify the correct transformations.

Overlooking specific rules or constraints or not reading the instructions. Some spatial relations questions have specific rules or constraints. Ignoring or overlooking these rules can result in selecting incorrect answers. Read the instructions thoroughly and make sure you understand them before selecting an answer.

Abstract Reasoning Tests

Spatial relations tests and abstract reasoning tests are similar but have important differences. Both tests measure cognitive ability, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Spatial relations tests measure your ability to visualize and manipulate objects in space, understand relationships between objects, and mentally rotate or transform objects. Abstract reasoning tests measure your ability to think logically and solve complex problems without relying on prior knowledge or experience. This type of test often involves tasks such as identifying patterns, completing sequences, or solving puzzles.

Spatial Reasoning and Mechanical Comprehension

Mechanical comprehension tests and spatial reasoning tests both assess different aspects of an your cognitive abilities related to mechanics and spatial understanding.

Content. Mechanical comprehension tests evaluate your knowledge and understanding of mechanical concepts and principles, such as gears, pulleys, levers, electrical circuits, forces, pressure, and more. These tests aim to assess how well individuals can apply their mechanical knowledge to solve problems in practical situations. Mechanical Comprehension Practice

Spatial Component of Mechanical Comprehension. Spatial reasoning tests, on the other hand, focus on evaluating an individual’s ability to mentally manipulate and visualize objects in space. They measure skills such as mental rotation, spatial visualization, pattern recognition, and spatial reasoning. Spatial reasoning tests often involve tasks like identifying patterns, assembling objects, or mentally transforming shapes.

Overlap. Both mechanical comprehension tests and spatial reasoning tests require certain cognitive skills, such as the ability to visualize objects in three dimensions, understand spatial relationships, analyze visual information, and apply logical reasoning. Spatial reasoning skills are particularly important in mechanical comprehension tests because they assess the candidate’s ability to understand how objects can be moved and organized in space.

Job Relevance Mechanical comprehension tests are often used as part of the recruitment process for technical positions that require knowledge of mechanics, such as engineering, skilled trades, aerospace, and emergency services. Spatial reasoning tests are used in various fields where spatial skills are crucial, including architecture, engineering, design, and many STEM-related professions.