The coding and updating of visuospatial memory for goal-directed reaching and pointing

► We review previous studies examining how spatial memory is coded for goal-directed arm movements. ► Spatial memory of reach targets is updated relative to gaze for smooth pursuit as well as saccades. ► Visual background information affects updating for saccade targets but not for reach targets. ► Ego- and allo-centric cues are combined in a weighted average depending on their task-relevance. ► We propose a conceptual model to describe how the brain uses different inputs for spatial updating.