An Analysis of Intra-Urban Consumer Spatial Imagery Fields

Abstract

<p>The general objective of the thesis is to investigate the mental information that consumers hold of the spatial distribution of a set of retail outlets. An individual's mental information on the spatial distribution of a specific set of environmental elements, within an areal unit, is termed a spatial imagery field. The selected areal unit for the study is the city of Hamilton, Ontario . The specific objectives are: (i) to indicate whether the spatial properties of consumer spatial imagery fields are related to length of residence; (ii) to indicate whether the spatial properties of consumer spatial imagery fields are related to social status; (iii) to indicate whether there is a relationship between the social status of consumers and the use-frequency of the types of information channels which are used to build up their spatial imagery fields. Hypotheses are formulated in accordance with these objectives. The data are collected from a census tract located in Hamilton. The hypotheses are tested by using objective statistical inferential procedures. The findings suggest that length of residence and social status are salient indicators of the spatial properties of the fields. The postulated relationship between social status and the use-frequency of the information channels, however, is not substantiated. Recommendations are made for future related research.</p>