Thinking in maps: from the Lascaux caves to knowledge graphs

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." This concept can be traced back to the Lascaux caves, where one of the oldest known maps in the world is found. Surprisingly, it is not a map of the earth, but rather a map of the skies.

The oldest surviving map of the world, dating back to around 600 BC, is symbolic rather than literal. This map uses common visual symbols such as pictograms, ideograms, and logograms to convey meaning. Pictograms are symbols that resemble physical objects and convey their meaning through visual resemblance. Ideograms, on the other hand, represent ideas or concepts independently of specific words or phrases. Logograms, like hieroglyphs, represent words or phrases through written characters.

Even beyond logograms, almost all cultures use pictograms alongside their written language to communicate meaning. When thinking in maps, these word-maps are often combined with world-maps, representing physical or mental space, to create visual representations of our knowledge, beliefs, or questions.

Leonardo Da Vinci, a renowned visual thinker of his time, believed that everything in the world is interconnected. He saw links where others saw separations, and his extensive notes and drawings reflected this interconnectedness. Da Vinci's approach to thinking in maps involved merging art and natural philosophy, creating a comprehensive understanding of the world.

Isaac Newton, another great map thinker, utilized diagrams to explore scientific concepts and research ideas. His use of visual representations helped him better understand complex theories and make groundbreaking discoveries. Newton's diagrams were a testament to the power of thinking in maps.

In the realm of information science, ontologies serve as formal representations of the categories, properties, and relationships between concepts within a specific area of knowledge. These ontologies enable computers to analyze and understand the vast amount of data on the web. Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, envisioned a future where computers could analyze all web data, including content, links, and transactions. This vision highlights the importance of thinking in maps and the potential for leveraging this approach to advance knowledge management.

Web annotation, a form of social software, allows users to add a layer of annotations on top of existing resources. These annotations are visible to other users within the same annotation system. While collaborative annotation features were tested as early as 1993, they have evolved significantly since then. Web annotation tools have emerged to facilitate collaborative knowledge sharing and exploration.

So, what can we learn from the history of thinking in maps and its applications in various fields? Here are three actionable insights:

1. Embrace visual thinking: Incorporating visual elements into your thought processes can enhance your understanding and ability to make connections. Consider utilizing diagrams, mind maps, or flowcharts to map out your ideas and explore complex topics.

2. Leverage technology: Take advantage of available tools and technologies to support your thinking in maps. From web annotation tools to knowledge graph applications, there are numerous resources that can assist in organizing and visualizing information.

3. Foster collaboration: Engage in collaborative knowledge sharing to expand your understanding and gain new perspectives. Participating in discussions, sharing annotations, and collaborating on projects can enhance the effectiveness of thinking in maps.

In conclusion, thinking in maps has been a fundamental aspect of human cognition since ancient times. From the Lascaux caves to modern knowledge graphs, the power of visual thinking and mapping has shaped our understanding of the world. By embracing this approach, leveraging technology, and fostering collaboration, we can unlock new realms of knowledge and innovation. So, let us continue to think in maps and explore the interconnectedness of our thoughts and ideas.