image

A picture built up by an individual from information arising from the social and physical milieus experienced from birth. The image of a city, for example, is made up of meeting places, paths, landmarks, limits, and areas, and this image fosters a sense of belonging. This image is also a way of organizing knowledge and is a source of ready reference for movement around the city. It is argued that similar individuals in similar milieus are likely to have similar mental images and hence exhibit similar forms of behaviour. See mental map.