Explaining the dimensions and components affecting the formation of the mental image of cities by using the tool of systematic review and meta-analysis

Mental imagery has always played a central and essential role in the discussion of mental performance in cities. It is one of the primary mental events of a human being that allows him to plan, route and make decisions for the future in the city.

In this research, recent studies in the field of mental imagery and its surrounding topics have been analyzed based on the Prism guidelines for systematic review and meta-analysis.

In various parts of the research, it was tried to analyze the main factors related to the field of mental image formation of cities from different points of view. Finally, after analyzing and categorizing the thoughts of many theorists, the conclusion was reached that various dimensions can have an impact on this important issue according to the environmental and contextual conditions. In total, nine main and influential dimensions including physical, cultural, functional, environmental, value, semantic, socio-political, individual, and mental dimensions were identified. The basis of its division is the frequency or the amount of repetition in the researches.

Regarding the dispersion of research conducted in Iran, the highest amount of studies was in Tehran with 40%, followed by Rasht and Mashhad, which included 20% and 10% of the total volume, respectively. From Iran (English sources) in France and Germany, there is more study dispersion. In addition, in Russia, China and India, studies in the field of mind and city have increased significantly in the past years, and studies have been conducted on urban branding and mental imagery.

This research started by examining the concept of mental imagery with an emphasis on urban science, which is considered only a part of the big world of urban imagery studies. Although mental imagery is an interwoven and complex issue due to its relationship with mental elements, but this concept is quite clear that the way mental imagery is formed in the mind consists of several layers, each of which has a significant impact on each other and cannot be separated.