EXPLORING APPROACHES TO COMPUTER CARTOGRAPHY AND SPATIAL-ANALYSIS IN COGNITIVE MAPPING RESEARCH - CMAP AND MINIGASP PROTOTYPE PACKAGES

Much cognitive mapping data consists of spatial elements such as point s, lines and polygons. This makes it possible to analyze such data wit h traditional spatial statistics and to visualise them using cartograp hic techniques. Using this approach can reveal 'hidden' spatial patter ns and provide quantitative evidence which can be used in identifying, understanding and explaining cognitive mapping theories. This paper e xamines the role of computer cartography and spatial analysis in cogni tive mapping research and the most appropriate approach to their imple mentation. The possible contribution of Geographical Information Syste ms (GISs) is investigated and the development and implementation of tw o stand-alone specialised packages CMAP and MiniGASP, are outlined.