Mental Maps

Source: http://groups.ischool.berkeley.edu/mentalmaps/

Mental maps are unlike all other maps. They are not accurate because they do not display information based off of how it appears. All maps have certain inaccuracies, and are biased since they are based off of the map maker. However, most maps are not created by memory and based off of certain visual reminders.

 Mental maps are created by the individuals interpretations of areas based off of their experience. Instead of making a map to scale, the individual may remember certain markers to give them indication of distance. All maps have certain inaccuracies. The map above that I have chosen is someones mental map of their neighborhood. It is clearly not very descriptive and is lacking in certain areas where there are question marks. However, this is how that person visualizes that area and how they remember where certain things are located.