A cognitive representation of geographic space, constructed from an individual’s experiences, perceptions, and knowledge of a particular area. It is a subjective and internalized depiction of the world, or a portion of it, reflecting what a person knows, believes, and feels about a place. For example, a resident’s representation of their neighborhood might emphasize familiar landmarks, frequently traveled routes, and areas of perceived safety or danger, even if these aspects are not objectively the most significant features of the locale.
This personalized spatial understanding is important in human geography because it influences decision-making processes related to navigation, migration, and overall spatial behavior. It also reveals cultural values and biases embedded in an individual’s perception of space. Historically, such representations have been crucial for survival, allowing people to navigate their environments effectively. Moreover, aggregated individual spatial understandings can provide insights into collective spatial knowledge and cultural perceptions of larger regions.