Abstract:

This paper introduces a new technique for the shared perception of geographical space through maps. Perception of the neighbourhood has been a crucial human skill of all ages. People need to orientate in the terrain. They always have had to communicate and share their knowledge of the landscape. It is proven by archaeological artefact more than 20 000 years old showing first maps. People of 21. century fight with many urgent challenges concerning sharing perception of the geographical space. These challenges cover the protection of Earth, reactions to crisis events or understanding of diversity.

The technique introduced in this paper is based on Lynch's type of mental map. The development of such a variety of maps is enriched by brainstorming and brainwriting methods. Various groups of participants construct mental maps, which are gradually increased in other groups. The mutual influencing and interference of participants in different moments of the map development is the main advantage of the presented approach. The accent on the information sharing information is the second significant benefit. Participants have to build very understandable map symbols to communicate with other people developing the map.

Both advantages mentioned above are significant in the educational process as well. The development of mental maps in groups with brainstorming and brainwriting principles enables students to support general soft skills (communication, cooperation, creativity or line of reasoning). Moreover, students acquire specific skills and knowledge concerning cartography, map-making and graphical communication. Last but not least, during this activity students can draw maps of school or neighbourhood. It enables a collection of information and impulses for people responsible for the subsequent development of mapped areas. As an example of such activity, the paper presents results and their analyses of experimental mapping of the University of West Bohemia campus in Plzeň (Czechia).

Keywords:

Mental map, space perception, cartography, mapping.