Abstract
Abstract The paper presents the review of mapping techniques applied in research using mental maps. The review covers both evaluative and structural mapping. The choice of a method is influenced by the level of freedom given to the respondents while creating sketch maps. It is also highly affected by the area of a given region, scale used in the research and limitations of mapping techniques in GIS software. For large scale maps created in GIS software, it is possible to use quantitative methods, i.e. proportional symbol maps or quantitative signature symbols. Using multiple complementary mapping techniques allows to draw the most comprehensive conclusions in the analyses of perception of a given space in the society.
Highlights
The perception of the surrounding space is different for everyone
The paper describes different mapping techniques applied in research using mental maps
Quantitative methods, i.e. proportional symbol maps, quantitative signature symbols and isolines are more frequently used in structural mapping which is conducted in large scales due to its nature
Summary
The perception of the surrounding space is different for everyone. Individual cognitive skills, experiences, personal traits, and life priorities affect our view of reality. The author distinguishes sketch maps which are physical representations of mental maps developed, stored and evolving in people’s minds. This is how the term sketch map will be used in the present paper. The aggregation of city images, more precisely: their mental maps, collected from different individuals is possible thanks to conducting surveys involving the creation of sketch maps. The trend started by Lynch is called structural mapping It is focused on analysing the structures of representation of space stored in people’s minds. Another pioneer of research using mental maps was Gould (1966).
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