 This study investigates user preferences and behavior associated with 2D and 3D modes of urban representation in a novel topographic immersive virtual environment, Topo IV, created from official 1 colon 10 000 mapping. 60 participants were divided into two groups, one given a navigational task and the other free to explore. Participants used a head mounted display, HMD, VR app to switch between 2D and 3D representations of buildings with a remote controller, and their use was recorded. Mental rotation tests were conducted before entering Topo IV, and participants were interviewed afterward about their experiences using the app. The results indicate that participants preferred the 3D mode of representation overall but slightly higher preference for 2D among those undertaking navigational tasks, and revealed different wayfinding solutions adopted by participants based on gender. Overall, users exploit different aspects of 2D and 3D modes in their wayfinding strategy regardless of task, offering substantial opportunities for the development of immersive virtual reality products derived from topographic data sets. This article was authored by Lucas Halleck and Alexander J Kent. We are article.tv, links in the description below.