From topology to geometry: Implementing mental maps into Geographic Information Systems

Abstract

The geography of perception has not been the academic development as other geographical cur­rents. Analysis using mental maps is still often to be conducted in acraft-like nature, with little or no linkage to Geographic Information Technologies. However, there are many authors who affirm the benefits and the difficulty of obtaining certain information provided by this type of “visual surveys”. This study presents a methodological proposal to implement the analysis of mental maps in Geographic Information Systems. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies are combined to obtain synoptic cartographies in vector and raster formats of respondents´ per­ception. The article reflects on the possibilities of the cartographic results obtained and explores the advantages and disadvantages of systematization of this type of data and the possibilities it offers. Each of the steps leading to the conversion of a set of qualitative and topological maps into a synoptic and geo-referenced cartography is considered. The partial loss of the information richness of sketches is more than compensated by the analytical and cartographic visualization possibilities of georeferencing citizens´ perception.