A cognitive map is a spatio-temporal representation of the outside world kept within the mind. Cognitive maps also underlie our ability to generalize and make inferences.

The neural basis of cognitive maps was speculated to be within grid and place cells of the brain.

The cells were called “grid cells” because they have multiple excitation areas, the geometric position of which had the symmetry of a hexagonal lattice.

Together, place cells and grid cells create a virtual coordinate system to determine the spatial position, direction, and speed of movement at a particular point in time.

Therefore I believe that the cognitive maps are the physiological representation of the space-time continuum

This art takes the neuronal hexagonal spatial lattice and attempts to visualize it using a simple monochrome palette; pulsations are representative of temporal neuronal firing.

By @trp_chai

February 19 2022

Made with p5.js

License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0