Spatial intelligence is the ability to comprehend three-dimensional images and shapes. It involves interpreting dimensions of space that cannot be seen. Visual spatial intelligence activities include putting together a puzzle or sculpture. This type of intelligence stems from the right side of the brain, and injuries or strokes to this part of the brain may diminish its ability to identify where a person is. Although they can still see the person because vision is usually not impeded, the person's location in space is blurred because of the brain’s blockage of spatial intelligence.

Visual-spatial intelligence is typically studied together with sight, although the determination of spatial ability and visual acuity are very different. For example, a blind person can still identify a shape, despite an inability to see it. Although there is a connection between visual and spatial intelligence, each is an independent component of a person’s intellect.

Spatial intelligences rely largely on people’s abilities to picture the shapes and spaces of objects in their minds; it is the ability to retain the form of something in the mind’s eye. This type of thinking allows somebody to know where he or she is in space and to picture the world. It also comes in handy for navigation, as sailors with compasses must use spatial intelligence to navigate the seas by following the stars and sun.

A person who has an easy time picturing the world from an observer’s viewpoint—who perhaps even does it often without thinking—will have higher spatial intelligence than someone who finds it difficult to think about life this way. The highest visual spatial intelligences result from unique abilities to take up different positions in the mind’s eye, such as a fly on the wall or a person standing behind a curtain. Those who have high spatial intelligences usually do best in arts or science fields. Artists, architects, physicists, navigators, chess players, designers and filmmakers are some careers that those with high spatial intelligences are often drawn to and excel at.

Those who have high spatial intelligences are likely to enjoy art, navigate and read maps well, imagine things very vividly, use metaphors, talk fast and look at the big picture. These people are often referred to as visual learners, and they often possess photographic memories, retaining images more easily than words. They think in pictures and prefer to have video accompaniment to any verbal instruction. A spatial intelligence test can be taken to determine individual strength in this area. Multiple activities can be performed to strengthen this type of intelligence, including mind-mapping, visualization scenarios, creating and watching videos, using computer graphics, posters, flash cards and symbols, doodling, making diagrams and maps, taking photographs, estimating distances and visualizing structures.