Image and Environment: Cognitive Mapping and Spatial Behavior

by Roger M. Downs (editor), Kenneth E. Boulding (Foreword), David Stea (Editor)

Cognitive mapping is a construct that encompasses those processes that enable people to acquire, code, store, recall, and manipulate information about the nature of their spatial environment. It refers to the attributes and relative locations of people and objects in the environment, and is an essential component in the adaptive process of spatial decision-making - such as finding a safe and quick route to from work, locating potential sites for a new house or business, and deciding where to travel on a vacation trip. Cognitive processes are not constant, but undergo change with age or development and use or learning. This volume is divided into six sections, which represent a comprehensive breakdown of cognitive mapping studies.

439 pages, Hardcover

First published April 20, 2005