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.

One of the oldest known maps in the world is found in the Lascaux caves. But what makes it even more fascinating is that it's not a map of the earth, but a map of the skies. This ancient map shows that our ancestors were not only interested in mapping physical space, but also in understanding the celestial realm.

Maps come in different forms and use various symbols to convey meaning. There are three common types of visual symbols used in maps: pictograms, ideograms, and logograms. Pictograms are symbols that resemble physical objects and convey their meaning through visual resemblance. Ideograms are graphic symbols that represent ideas or concepts, independent of specific words or phrases. Logograms, on the other hand, are written characters that represent whole words or phrases.

In addition to logograms, almost all cultures use pictograms to communicate meaning. When thinking in maps, these visual symbols are often combined with maps of physical or mental space to create visual representations of knowledge, beliefs, or questions.

Leonardo Da Vinci, one of history's most famous visual thinkers, believed that everything is connected. In his notes, he wrote, "These are the principles for the development of a complete mind: study the science of art, study the art of science. Realize that everything connects to everything else." Da Vinci's ability to see connections where others saw separations made him a true polymath.

Another great map thinker was Isaac Newton, who used diagrams to explore scientific concepts and research ideas. He understood the power of visual representation in organizing and understanding complex information.

In the field of information science, ontologies are used as formal representations of knowledge. An ontology defines the categories, properties, and relationships between concepts in a specific area of knowledge. The goal is to create a system that can analyze and understand data on the web, including content, links, and transactions between people and computers.

The visualization of ontologies has been a subject of study, with researchers exploring different ways to represent complex information. In a 2013 study, subjects found graph visualizations of ontologies to be more intuitive and controllable compared to indented tree visualizations.

In 1945, Vannevar Bush envisioned a future device called the memex, which would store an individual's books, records, and communications. This device would serve as an extension of one's memory, allowing for quick and flexible access to information. While the memex hasn't become a reality in the exact form Bush imagined, the concept of a personal knowledge repository has evolved with the rise of the internet and digital technologies.

As we continue our quest for effective knowledge management, the next step seems to be the metamodeling of thinking in maps. This involves creating a new language and schema for representing the semantic data that constitutes our thought processes. By understanding and visualizing the connections between different concepts and ideas, we can enhance our ability to think critically and creatively.

In conclusion, thinking in maps has been a fundamental part of human cognition since ancient times. From the Lascaux caves to knowledge graphs, maps have allowed us to communicate, understand, and explore the world around us. As we embrace new technologies and develop new ways of representing knowledge, we have the opportunity to enhance our thinking and unlock new insights. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to incorporate thinking in maps into your own life:

1. Embrace visual thinking: Start incorporating visual elements into your note-taking, brainstorming, and problem-solving processes. Use diagrams, flowcharts, and mind maps to organize your thoughts and make connections between different ideas.

2. Explore knowledge graphs: Familiarize yourself with the concept of knowledge graphs and how they can enhance your understanding of complex information. Look for tools and platforms that allow you to create and manipulate knowledge graphs to gain new insights and perspectives.

3. Seek interdisciplinary connections: Like Leonardo Da Vinci, cultivate a mindset that sees connections between different disciplines and areas of knowledge. Explore diverse subjects and look for ways to integrate them into your thinking. By embracing interdisciplinary thinking, you can develop a more holistic understanding of the world.

By thinking in maps, we can unlock new ways of understanding and navigating the complexities of our world. Just as our ancestors used maps to explore the skies and chart new territories, we can use maps to explore the depths of knowledge and expand the boundaries of our own thinking.