With GIS technologies ranging from Google Maps and Google Earth to the use of smart phones and in-car navigation systems, spatial knowledge is often acquired and communicated through geographic information technologies. This lecture describes the interplay between spatial cognition research and use of spatial interfaces. It begins by reviewing what is known about how humans process spatial concepts and then moves on to discuss how interfaces can be improved to take advantage of those capabilities. Special attention is given to a variety of innovating geographical platforms that provide users with an intuitive understanding and support the further acquistion of spatial knowledge. The lecture concludes with a discussion of the number of outstanding issues, including the changing nature of maps as a spatial interface, concerns about privacy for spatial information, and look at the future of user-centered spatial information systems.