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Eye Tracking is a valuable tool for studies related to visual search and visual perception. In cartographic research, visual experimentation is considered appropriate in order to investigate the variables of the map that can influence the map reading tasks. In the present paper, we demonstrate how the eye tracking technology may contribute to cartographic research by presenting an experiment on the selectivity of the visual variable of shape. Specifically, we examine how map readers are reacting with point symbols that are characterized by the topological property of having a hole as basic shape characteristic. The Viewpoint Eye Tracker® by Arrington Research is used for the recording of the eye movements. The detection of the center of vision is accomplished by locating the center of the pupil. Furthermore, an algorithm is developed in order to control the accuracy and the precision of the recording data. The analysis of fixations, saccadic movements and scan paths is significant for the map reading tasks during the process of visual searching. Eye Tracking seems to be very robust in cartographic research, as it represents the visualization of map reader's cognitive process.