Human retinotopic mapping: From empirical to computational models of retinotopy

The visual cortex encodes the visual field through numerous bilaterally paired, topologically organized two-dimensional maps along the cortical surface. Although these representations exhibit a largely consistent organization across individuals, substantial interindividual variability exists in both the structure and functional organization of the visual cortex. To better characterize this variability, researchers have increasingly turned to computational approaches, alongside empirical methodologies and encoding models, to predict individual-level retinotopic organization. As these advances continue to shape the study of retinotopic organization, it is crucial to revisit the methodologies used to generate and model these maps. In this review, we examine empirical and theoretical work aimed at reconstructing and modeling visual field maps in the human visual cortex. Specifically, we discuss how empirical retinotopic mapping has facilitated the development of theoretical and computational models of retinotopy and, in turn, how these models have enhanced our understanding of the retinotopic organization of the human visual cortex. Finally, we outline a non-exhaustive set of future directions for leveraging models of retinotopy to further investigate structure-function relationships, interindividual variability, and more.