Human spatial cognition: Its relevance to the design and use of spatial information systems

Abstract It is argued that the design of Spatial Information Systems (SIS) such as Geographical Information Systems can benefit by considering how individuals understand and represent space. Although recent SIS have become very technically sophisticated, they have not necessarily become more accessible, especially for users who may only have limited technical expertise. There is now extensive research, in the geographical, psychological, and linguistic disciplines, which has provided important insights into spatial cognition and abilities, and it is argued that these insights should be incorporated in the design of SIS. In particular, this paper will refer to the research concerned with the mental representation of space (e.g. the internalization of environmental knowledge in the form of cognitive maps, the importance of spatial schema, and the categorization of space through language) and discuss the implications of this research for aspects of SIS design.

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