Spatial encoding in the visual pathway arises in cortex and depends on active navigation

During navigation, responses in primary visual cortex (V1) are modulated by the animal’s position. Here, we show that this modulation is present across multiple higher visual cortical areas but largely absent in geniculate inputs to V1. Spatial modulation is stronger during active navigation than during passive viewing. Moreover, navigation activates different neurons than classical drifting gratings, and promotes the reliability of neural responses in parietal and medial cortical areas.