The Power of Thinking in Maps: From Ancient Symbols to Modern Knowledge Graphs

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Jul 29, 2023

4 min read

0

The Power of Thinking in Maps: From Ancient Symbols to Modern Knowledge Graphs

Throughout history, humans have relied on maps to communicate and understand the world around them. From the ancient Lascaux caves to modern knowledge graphs, thinking in maps has been a fundamental aspect of human cognition. In this article, we will explore the commonalities between different types of maps and delve into the fascinating ways in which maps shape our thinking.

One of the earliest examples of thinking in maps can be found in the Lascaux caves, where ancient humans created intricate cave paintings thousands of years ago. Among these paintings is one of the oldest known maps in the world, depicting the skies rather than the earth. This symbolic representation of the celestial bodies showcases our innate desire to visually represent our surroundings.

Throughout history, maps have taken various forms, including hieroglyphs, flowcharts, road signs, and knowledge graphs. These different types of maps all serve the purpose of organizing and conveying information in a visual manner. They allow us to break free from the constraints of language and tap into the power of visual communication.

Visual symbols play a crucial role in thinking in maps. There are three common types of visual symbols: pictograms, ideograms, and logograms. Pictograms are symbols that convey meaning through their resemblance to physical objects. Ideograms, on the other hand, represent ideas or concepts independently of specific words or phrases. Logograms are written characters that represent entire words or phrases. Combining these visual symbols with world-maps, whether they be physical or mental space maps, allows us to create visual representations of our knowledge, beliefs, and questions.

Some of history's greatest thinkers, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Isaac Newton, were avid practitioners of thinking in maps. Leonardo da Vinci, known for his ability to bridge the gap between art and science, left behind thousands of pages of notes and drawings that exemplify his visual thinking. He believed that everything in the world is interconnected, and his maps reflected this holistic perspective. Similarly, Isaac Newton used diagrams to explore scientific concepts and research ideas, allowing him to visualize complex phenomena.

In the realm of information science, the concept of ontologies plays a crucial role in thinking in maps. An ontology is a formal representation and definition of the categories, properties, and relationships between concepts within a particular domain of knowledge. It provides a structured framework for organizing information and facilitates the creation of knowledge graphs. Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, envisioned a future where computers could analyze all the data on the web, including its content, links, and transactions. This vision aligns with the idea of thinking in maps, as knowledge graphs are essentially maps of interconnected concepts.

The visual presentation of maps is an essential aspect of their effectiveness. In a study conducted by Fu et al. in 2013, participants found graph visualizations of ontologies to be more intuitive and controllable compared to indented tree visualizations. This finding highlights the importance of designing maps in a way that maximizes their usability and accessibility.

Looking towards the future, the next step in the evolution of thinking in maps is the metamodeling of our thought processes. As we continue to generate vast amounts of data and information, the need for a new language and schema for organizing this knowledge becomes increasingly important. Just as the memex, a concept coined by Vannevar Bush in 1945, envisioned a device that could store and retrieve information with speed and flexibility, the metamodeling of thinking in maps holds the potential to revolutionize our cognitive processes.

In conclusion, thinking in maps has been an integral part of human cognition since ancient times. From the Lascaux caves to modern knowledge graphs, maps have allowed us to visually represent and navigate the world around us. By combining visual symbols with world-maps, we can create powerful representations of our knowledge, beliefs, and questions. As we continue to advance in the digital age, the metamodeling of thinking in maps presents exciting possibilities for enhancing our cognitive abilities.

Actionable Advice:

  • 1. Embrace visual thinking: Incorporate visual representations, such as diagrams and mind maps, into your thought processes to enhance understanding and identify connections that may not be apparent through traditional text-based thinking.
  • 2. Explore knowledge graphs: Familiarize yourself with the concept of ontologies and knowledge graphs to organize complex information and facilitate meaningful connections between concepts.
  • 3. Seek out tools for visual mapping: Utilize software and applications that enable the creation and manipulation of visual maps to enhance your cognitive abilities and improve information retention.

By adopting these practices, you can tap into the power of thinking in maps and unlock new ways of understanding and navigating the world around you.

Hatch New Ideas with Glasp AI 🐣

Glasp AI allows you to hatch new ideas based on your curated content. Let's curate and create with Glasp AI :)