Mapping as a method of information and data collection in urban spaces: The case of Kuğulu Park

Maps are means of expression and communication in which the relationship of people with the concepts of place, space, culture and object is defined. It is also defined as a diagram showing the distribution of any information-data over space. As can be understood from these definitions, one of the most important features of maps is that they construct their objects with space. Mapping, on the other hand, is an information and data interpretation tool that reflects the perceptions of its creator, combines imagination and reality, and is used in many fields including art, literature and science. Today, technology leads to the formation of a large amount of data. Visualization of this data, making it available for planning and design, and transferring it has become important. For this reason, mapping as a data collection and interpretation tool is seen as an important tool for planning and design disciplines. Mapping in architecture is especially used to collect and interpret data from the built environment and to better understand place-user relations in urban design. The aim of this study; to examine urban spaces with social interactions and to emphasize the importance of mapping in architecture. This research consists of two stages: literature study and field studies. A literature study on the city, urban space and mapping, which constitutes the conceptual basis of the study, was conducted. A field study was carried out with the obtained information. In the study, it is aimed to analyze the information and data collected from a selected area by using different mapping methods and to visualize these analyzes. Throughout the research, different mapping types and techniques such as map analysis, word cloud, cognitive, activity and creative mapping were applied. Activity mapping was carried out in Kuğulu Park in Ankara's Çankaya district. The purpose of using this method is to examine and interpret the data collected in public spaces and to provide a better understanding of place-user relations in urban design. The mapping methods to be used will enable us to convey the natural and dynamic processes of urban spaces. This work; By producing an alternative to the study of urban spaces, it will emphasize the position of public spaces in spatial grading and the contribution of mapping to architecture.