The Utility of Global Representations in a Cognitive Map

In this paper we propose the use of small global memory for a viewer’s immediate surroundings to assist in recognising places that have been visited previously. We call this global memory a Memory for the Immediate Surroundings (MFIS). Our previous work [1, 2] on building a cognitive map has focused on computing a representation for the different local spaces the viewer visits. The different local spaces which are computed can be connected together in the way they are experienced to form a topological network which is one aspect of a cognitive map of the spatial environment. The problem with topological representations is that using them one cannot easily detect that one is reentering a previously visited part of the environment if it is approached from a different side to the one used previously. Thus we have developed a cognitive map representation which comprises an MFIS working in cooperation with the topological network. The idea that a global map is present as part of the cogni...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2001
• Where: COSIT
• Authors: Margaret E. Jefferies, Wai K. Yeap
• Keywords: Cognitive Map, COSIT 2001, GIS, Global, Global Memory