Scientific

This map was constructed by sorting roughly 800,000 published papers into 776 different scientific paradigms (shown as pale circular nodes) based on how often the papers were cited together by authors of other papers. Links (curved black lines) were made between the paradigms that shared papers, then treated as rubber bands, holding similar paradigms nearer one another when a physical simulation forced every paradigm to repel every other; thus the layout derives directly from the data. Larger paradigms have more papers; node proximity and darker links indicate how many papers are shared between two paradigms. Flowing labels list common words unique to each paradigm, large labels general areas of scientific inquiry.

The above quote is from the SeedMagazine.com website.

Download the map at http://www.seedmagazine.com/news/2007/03/scientific_method_relationship.php

The world is a complex place. As humans, we struggle with the complexity of it, seeking often for new ways to help us synthesize the vast array of data that’s out there into cogent and meaningful patterns.

A friend of mine, Chris Lynch, sent me a link to this amazing map of scientific enquiry. It’s enough to blow your mind. It goes to show what’s possible with visual mapping systems and the ways in which such systems can help us conceptualise the world out there.

Just think, if we can only map story plots in the same way….well, maybe that’s a bit much.