Visualisation of GIS data in VR related to cognitive mapping of environment

The main concepts of a design tool and its testing supported by visualisation of GIS data in a VR system are described. The design tool should improve architectural design with respect to analysis and improving existing and planned urban environments regarding several quality criteria, especially those associated with visual aspects. Preconditions for defining the design tool´s purpose are the determination of the “well-situated” urban elements, their impact on cognitive mapping, and the exploitation of this knowledge on cognitive mapping for the improvement of urban environments. Cognitive mapping is a kind of representation of schematic knowledge that a person has about familiar environments. A cognitive map is stored information or knowledge concerning the purpose and function of the environment. This leads to the conclusion that an urban environment design which takes the process of cognitive mapping into consideration, will be experienced by most people in the same way. Investigations of this process result in a theoretical model of elements of urban environments, their relationships and their dependencies. The theoretical platform of the tool is based on design theory, cognitive science and computer science. Design theory and cognitive science are used to develop the theoretical model. This theoretical model together with computer science are the basis for tool development