GEOG 185 Chapter 1: Geog7Week1Article1
Document Summary
Why you probably can"t draw a map of your city from memory . 1980 study: the researcher blindfolded subjects, put them in a bus, and drove them on a torturous route around england. Once the subjects were released (but still blindfolded) the subjects were asked which direction they came from--in which they were somewhat successful. Author claimed: magnet strapped to people"s heads canceled out this ability. Compared to birds and other animals who migrate for thousands of miles or remember the exact place they were born, humans are directionally challenged. Landmarks are the first step to building a map in your mind. Understanding landmarks and routes leads you first to egocentric knowledge--the 1st person view at street level. Routes are the next level of understanding. Above routes, is survey knowledge : a map-like comprehension of the whole area. Allocentric knowledge: aerial view; people w/ a better sense of direction use fewer landmarks to build their internal maps.
