Spatial navigation is a complex cognitive process, involving structures in the brain developed over thousands of years of evolution. Yet in urban science we often neglect the role of spatial cognition in shaping mobility behaviour, making simple assumptions about travel choices. In this talk, we explore the growing evidence around human navigation in cities, including the effect of built environment and individual factors on behaviour. We propose how spatial data science can better reflect how spaces are actually recalled and used. And detail how agent-based modelling can be used to reveal the importance of our underlying behavioural assumptions.