Map Spatial Cognition Theory

A map is not only a result of human spatial environment cognition, but also a tool of human spatial cognition. For many centuries, as a kind of graphic communication tool of spatial information, a map has been playing an important role in human spatial cognition. Spatial cognition is the process of spatial information processing. Spatial cognition is an important research area of cognitive science, also an emphasis issue studied by psychology, cartography, geography, computer science and Artificial Intelligence. Map spatial cognition is the process of realizing spatial cognition by using a map. As the popularization of digital mapping and Internet,one has been having more demand for and the interest in maps. An electronic map is a kind of electronic tool of map spatial cognition. GIS extends the means of human spatial cognition. Multimedia electronic map and virtual terrain environment are much more correspond with human spatial cognition, because they overcome the inherence deficiency of conventional maps. A webmap is a kind of electronic map based on Internet, and they will make more people have interest in maps. Therefore, a map as a kind of spatial cognition tool will play an important role in the condition of digital mapping. The author believes that the exploration of map as a tool of human spatial cognition and the reconsideration of relationship between human beings and maps in the condition of new technology are the heart of theoretical cartography in the 21 century. Map spatial cognition theory is a new cartographic theory in digital mapping. Using an information processing viewpoint, map spatial cognition theory study systematically how a map user gets spatial information he needs from maps, how spatial information are stored in his mind and extract from his memory when he needs. Therefore, map spatial cognition theory is the theory that is developed for combining cartography with cognitive science. The core content of map spatial cognition theory is the study of relationship between human beings and maps in digital mapping. Cognitive mapping and mental maps are the basic concepts of the map spatial cognition theory. The starting points, theoretical background, the research aims and