Mapping the conceptual system of an urban theory and its evolution: a text analysis of space syntax conference papers over 20 years

Abstract

This work presents a new methodology for analysing the conceptual system of a scientific theory over time. Through the application of a quantitative text analysis to a large corpus of conference proceedings from 1997 to 2017, this study offers insight into the development and relationships of concepts within the domain of space syntax as a representative field within urban morphology. The evolution of this specific field is tracked for the first time with the aim of inspiring comparable analyses in other areas of urban morphology and urban studies.