Final answer:
A cognitive map is the term for the mental representation of spatial locations and directions that humans and other animals create to navigate their environment efficiently.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for mental representation of spatial locations and directions is known as a cognitive map. This concept originates from the work of psychologist Edward Tolman, who observed that just like rats in a maze, humans also build an internal representation of their environment to navigate through it successfully. A cognitive map functions as a mental model of one's physical environment, encompassing a sense of spatial locations and the directions needed to move within it. When we adopt distinct features in an environment, such as landmarks or visual aids, we enhance our cognitive maps and improve our ability to move through complex spaces without getting disoriented.