Katusejärgse

Katusejärgse, also known as "street following" or "road following," refers to the practice of navigating urban environments by closely observing and adhering to the visible layout of streets, buildings, and landmarks. This method is often used by pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers who rely on immediate visual cues rather than pre-planned routes or digital navigation tools. The term originates from Estonian (*katu* meaning "street" and *sejärgse* meaning "following"), reflecting its roots in Baltic urban mobility traditions.

Katusejärgse is particularly useful in areas where traditional navigation aids, such as street signs or GPS, may be unreliable or absent. It relies on spatial awareness, memory, and the ability to interpret environmental cues like intersections, traffic patterns, and architectural features. This approach is common in densely populated cities where streets are narrow, winding, or lack clear signage, such as parts of Tallinn, Estonia, or other historic European urban centers.

While katusejärgse can enhance situational awareness and reduce dependency on technology, it requires practice and familiarity with the surroundings. Skilled practitioners develop an intuitive understanding of urban layouts, allowing them to navigate efficiently even in unfamiliar areas. However, this method may be less effective in large, sprawling cities with less distinct street patterns or in low-visibility conditions like heavy rain or fog.

The practice aligns with broader trends in "slow travel" and "human-centric navigation," emphasizing personal engagement with the environment over automated guidance. It also fosters a deeper connection to the city, encouraging exploration and discovery of lesser-known routes. In recent years, interest in katusejärgse has grown as part of discussions on sustainable mobility and the limitations of digital navigation in preserving urban identity.