Analysis of spatial distortions in a mental map using GPS and GIS

Abstract

Mental maps are a cartographic illustration of a person's internal representation of the spatial environment in which they live. They are often used to provide an insight into how different ethnic or social groups perceive their environment. A new method of measuring the distortions present in mental maps is developed and tested in this present project. A subject's true spatial environment is generated through the use of a global positioning system and compared with the subject's mental representation of their environment. The distortions of the mental maps are calculated by minimising the mental maps to a finite set of nodes and the difference between the mental map and the true spatial environment is calculated. A geographic information system is used to process and analyse the data. Results suggest distortions are apparent the further away subjects travel from their familiar environment, such as the immediate vicinity of their home. The data also indicates that there is an inherent scale at which mental maps operate.