Spatial Representation

A cognitive structure that encodes information about the layout, distances, and relationships between locations in an environment. For blind and partially sighted people, spatial representations are built from non-visual sensory information including tactile exploration, auditory cues, proprioceptive feedback from movement, and verbal descriptions. These representations can be schematic (abstract diagrams) or realistic, and may be experienced as static images or dynamic sequences of movement through space. Understanding how individuals form spatial representations is crucial for designing effective orientation and mobility training and electronic travel aids.