What best defines a "mental map"?

A "mental map" is best defined as a person's perception of the layout of their environment. This concept emphasizes how individuals visualize and understand the spatial relationships of places based on their experiences, knowledge, and emotions. Mental maps are subjective and can vary greatly from person to person, as they depend on personal experiences and familiarity with specific areas.

For example, someone may navigate their hometown based on landmarks, routes they commonly take, and even their personal experiences in those locations, which may not align perfectly with an official or standardized map. Mental maps are crucial for geographical understanding because they influence how individuals interact with and interpret the spaces around them, shaping their behaviors and decisions in everyday life.

In contrast, physical representations of territory are actual maps or diagrams that provide concrete, measurable representations of locations, which do not convey the subjective perceptions unique to each individual. Official maps created by the government serve official purposes and maintain accuracy but do not capture personal interpretations. Guides to navigating urban spaces may provide instructions or tips, yet they do not encompass the broader and more personal understanding of geographic context that mental maps represent.