What does "cognitive mapping" refer to in the context of orientation?

Cognitive mapping refers to the mental processes by which individuals acquire, code, store, and recall information about their spatial environment. This concept emphasizes how people internally visualize and navigate their surroundings based on their experiences and perceptions. It enables individuals to understand the relationships between different locations, navigate effectively, and plan routes in a familiar or unfamiliar environment.

In contrast, a physical map of the area represents the spatial relationships but does not involve the cognitive processes that underlie understanding these spatial dynamics. A digital navigation tool provides navigational assistance but relies on external technology rather than a person's mental representation. A written description of landmarks serves as an external guide and lacks the internal cognitive mechanisms that help individuals create their own mental maps of the environment. Therefore, the answer about cognitive mapping being a mental representation of spatial relationships aligns perfectly with its definition in the context of orientation.