Cognitive map research in the field of geography: A review and prospect

Abstract

Cognitive map, as the internal representation of abstracting and ordering the complex system of human- environment relationship, is the theoretical basis of individual spatial behavior decision making, spatial cognition, and spatial planning. It is also one of the important research fields of behavioral geography. This article systematically reviewed the research progress of cognitive map in geography and urban planning, psychology and neuroscience, computer science and engineering, and business economics and management science. It also summarized the definition, research hotspots, and historical development of the cognitive map. Through CiteSpace clustering analysis and reviewing classical literature, it is found that cognitive map research plays an important role in the disciplinary development of behavioral geography, especially in cognitive space and city image, spatial distortion and preference, spatial knowledge, and decision-making behavior. Recently, the interdisciplinary research of cognitive maps related to behavioral geography has three turns: Digital turn, emotional turn, and neural turn. Finally, this article identified the role and application prospect of the geography of cognitive map spatial analysis in the development of interdisciplinary integration.