For the somatosensory and visual systems, cells are arranged in an orderly fashion, much like a map. This map reflects receptor position and density, and is not one-to-one exact (see somatosensory homunculus and higher foveal cortical representation). Densely innervated sites, like the fingers and lips, have higher cortical representation.

In bilateral receptor systems (two ears and two nostrils), localization is different. It is determined by general time of arrival at the two receptors, and/or stimulus intensity. For example, if a soundwave hits your left ear sooner than your right ear, the source of the sound is probably to your left. If this soundwave is loud, it’s probably close.