Activity Mapping in Urban Space; Ankara/Kuğulu Park Case

Maps are not merely tools for orientation but also function as expressive and analytical instruments that shape our understanding of place, culture, and urban dynamics. This study aims to explore how activity mapping—a method integrating direct observation and GIS technologies—can be used to understand the relationship between user behaviors and spatial features in urban public spaces. Taking Kuğulu Park in Ankara as a case study, the research applies activity mapping techniques to examine patterns of use, frequency, and distribution of activities across time. The study highlights the limitations of traditional static data collection methods and proposes mapping as a dynamic, user-centered alternative that enhances urban design processes. Key findings emphasize how spatial design elements correlate with behavior patterns, reinforcing the value of mapping in interpreting the lived experience of public spaces.