The future of cognitive mapping research

Abstract

As detailed in the chapters in this book, cognitive mapping research has developed over the past forty years into a vibrant and multidisciplinary field of study, with several discernible sub-fields. Whilst the studies that compose the body of cognitive mapping research provide both breadth and depth, it is clear that there are still many facets of spatial knowledge that remain unexamined or are in need of further investigation. Indeed, the volume of research within each sub-field is highly uneven, with some focuses receiving a disproportionate amount of attention. Moreover, most sub-fields are characterized by a set of divergent and competing findings and theories, each seeking to adequately explain how we learn, store, process and use spatial knowledge. Each of the contributors to this volume detailed a specific future agenda to address questions so far left unexplored or inadequately answered. In this final chapter we collate, ross-reference and add to their suggestions for future research to provide a comprehensive agenda that will help guide cognitive mapping research as we enter the new millennium. We have divided our discussion into three main sections: theoretical, methodological, application.