Thinking in maps: from the Lascaux caves to knowledge graphs

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Aug 21, 2023
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Thinking in maps: from the Lascaux caves to knowledge graphs
What do hieroglyphs, flowcharts, road signs, and knowledge graphs have in common? They’re all thinking maps. Humans have been thinking in maps since the very first symbolic communication systems. "Thinking in maps is substantively different from thinking in sentences."
The Lascaux caves in France are known for their ancient cave paintings, but they also hold something even more enthralling: one of the oldest known maps in the world. And it is a map of the skies, not the earth. This map shows that humans have always had a fascination with visual representations of our surroundings.
The oldest surviving map of the world, dating back to around 600 BC, is symbolic rather than literal. It uses visual symbols to convey meaning. This includes pictograms, which are symbols that resemble physical objects and convey their meaning through resemblance. It also includes ideograms, which are graphic symbols that represent ideas or concepts independent of specific words or phrases. And logograms, which are written characters that represent whole words or phrases.
Beyond logograms, almost all cultures use pictograms in addition to their written language to communicate meaning. When thinking in maps, word-maps (pictograms, ideograms, logograms, and other visual symbols) are often combined with world-maps (physical or mental space maps) to create visual representations of our knowledge, beliefs, or questions.
Humans throughout history have been visual thinkers, using maps and diagrams to explore and understand the world around them. Leonardo Da Vinci, one of the most famous visual thinkers in history, combined art and natural philosophy in his extensive notes and drawings. Da Vinci saw connections where others saw separations, and he believed that everything is linked up.
Isaac Newton was another great map thinker, using diagrams to explore scientific concepts and research ideas. He understood the power of visual representations in understanding complex information.
In the field of information science, the concept of ontologies has emerged. An ontology is a formal representation of the categories, properties, and relationships between concepts that make up an area of knowledge. It helps to organize and structure information in a meaningful way.
Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, had a dream for the web to become capable of analyzing all the data on the web. He envisioned a future where computers could understand the content, links, and transactions between people and computers.
In a study conducted in 2013, Fu et al. found that graph visualizations of ontologies were more intuitive and controllable than other visualizations. This highlights the importance of finding effective ways to visually represent complex knowledge.
In 1945, Vannevar Bush coined the term "memex" to describe a future device that would store all books, records, and communications. This device would serve as an enlarged intimate supplement to memory, allowing for quick and flexible access to information.
As we continue to explore and expand our knowledge, the next logical step seems to be the metamodeling of thinking in maps. This involves creating a new language and schema for the semantic data that constitutes our thought processes.
The SECI model of knowledge dimensions provides a framework for understanding how tacit and explicit knowledge are converted into organizational knowledge. Externalization is the process of converting tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge through publishing and articulating knowledge. Combination involves organizing and integrating different types of explicit knowledge. Internalization is the process of an individual receiving and applying explicit knowledge, making it part of their own knowledge. And socialization is the process of sharing tacit knowledge among individuals.
In conclusion, thinking in maps is a fundamental aspect of human cognition and communication. From ancient cave paintings to modern knowledge graphs, maps have allowed us to visually represent and understand complex information. To harness the power of thinking in maps, here are three actionable pieces of advice:
- 1. Embrace visual thinking: Incorporate visual representations, such as diagrams and charts, into your thought processes. This can help you better understand and communicate complex ideas.
- 2. Explore ontologies: Consider using ontologies to organize and structure knowledge in a meaningful way. This can enhance collaboration and facilitate knowledge sharing within organizations.
- 3. Utilize technology: Take advantage of technological advancements to create and access visual representations of knowledge. Tools and applications can assist in connecting the dots and uncovering hidden connections.
By thinking in maps, we can unlock new insights and perspectives, leading to more innovative and interconnected ways of understanding the world.
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