The Effect of a New City Traffic Route on the Cognitive Maps of Its Residents

Abstract

This study addressed the question of how changes In travel paths through a city occasioned by the construction of a new connecting street, Influenced the cognitive maps of the city's residents. Grand Forks, North Dakota recently constructed an overpass over a railroad switching yard that bisects much of the city. Residents were asked to judge the distances between selected points In the city on two occasions, once before the overpass was completed and again six months later. Female residents showed Improved performance, especially In the areas of the city connected by the overpass, while male distance estimates did not change. It was suggested that the females made their judgments based upon Inferences from travel paths while males approached the task In a more spatlal manner, using a mental representation of the city.