First, the ecological perception theory of James Gibson is contrasted with the psychophysical approach from the field of environmental-related perception. Psychophysics represents the molecular (microscopic) approach, while Gibson’s represents the molar (macroscopic) approach. The former investigates fundamental properties of the sensory system in a “sterile” (context-free) laboratory, while the latter investigates perception taking into account specific environmental conditions. Edward Tolman, who introduced the concept of the cognitive map, also represents a molar approach. The concept of the cognitive map is important if we want to understand how people orient themselves spatially in their environment and how they remember spaces. In this chapter, you will also learn about the features that shape the mental image of a city. All of this is not only of theoretical interest, but also of practical interest, especially for architecture and urban planning.