Cognitive Issues in the Evolution of GIS User Knowledge

Abstract

Human-computer interaction with a geographic information system (GIS) is in large part based on carrying out cognitive actions from a store of GIS user knowledge. GIS user knowledge has a problem domain component and a tool domain component, both of which must work together to facilitate productive cognitive action. Spatial primitives underlie each of the knowledge domains; these primitives are essential building blocks for the knowledge. Three levels of knowledge — declarative, procedural and configurational — can be described for each of the knowledge domains. The knowledge levels are embedded, i.e. declarative underlies procedural and procedural underlies (is embedded in) configurational. A model of cognitive processing is developed based on these assumptions. The model shows how mental models could develop at each of the knowledge levels, with the character of a mental model being more sophisticated at each of the corresponding levels. Levels of cognitive control are then discussed that make use of the same cognitive processing model. The levels of cognitive control are described in light of the differences in cognitive steps required to process information.