A spatial model of cognitive distance in cities

Spatial cognition is fundamental to the behaviour and activity of humans in urban space. Humans perceive their environments with systematic biases errors, act upon these perceptions, which turn form patterns activity. These perceptions are influenced by a multitude factors, many them relating static form. Yet much geographic analysis ignores influence form, instead referring most commonly Euclidean arrangement In this paper, we propose novel spatial modelling framework for estimating cognitive distance This constructed from wealth research describing effect environmental factors on estimation, produces quantitative estimate based standard GIS data. Unlike other cost measures, integrates systematically observed distortions cognition. As proof-of-concept, implemented 26 cities worldwide using open data, producing comparative measure ‘cognitive accessibility’. The paper concludes discussion potential approach analysing systems, outlines areas further research.