Knowledge Representation: Weighted Categorization of 4 Knowledge Maps

Last year I was brainstorming with M. Mahmoud on a weighted categorization of various Knowledge Maps (K-Maps), this as input for his Diploma paper. He focused only on Mind Maps, Conceptual Graphs and Concept Maps, considered by us as mature enough and rich in expressing the various facets of knowledge. We came up with the following tables which could be used to evaluate the value of each K-Map based on a mixture of criteria provided by [1] and [2], considered also in [3]: content type, recipient type, content formats, layout, creation mode, purpose, knowledge type, visualization type, graphical form and function type. Each criteria is weighted on a 1..5 scale, from weak to strong. 

A downside of the below tables is that they were based on our understanding of the respective K-maps and were not based on survey or any other types of scholastic techniques, so the values should be used with caution. We also attempted to evaluate the K-maps from the perspective of humans (H) and computers (C), as the two type of M-map consumers come with different requirements. We find out that the evaluation of K-maps from this perspective isn’t so easy to achieve, not being aware of the all results in the field, the lack of time being other important consideration. 

We managed to apply this distinction only to content type, where a value of 2H refers to human, while a value of 2C refers to computers. The values considered for the other categories are considered only from the perspective of humans. What is missing from these tables, in respect to the initial tables, are the comments made to the some of the below evaluations.

Content Type	Mind Maps	Conceptual Graphs	Ontology	Concept Maps	Weight	Notes
Methods	2H, 2C	2H, 2C	4-5H, 2-3C	3H, 3C	2
Processes	2H, 2C	1H. 1C	4H, 3C	4H, 3C	3
Experts	5H, 2C	3H, 3C	5H, 2C	5H, 2C	3
Organizational subdivision	5H, 1C	1H, 3C	5H , 1C	5H, 1C	2
Lessons Learned and experiences	4H,1C	3H, 4C	3-4H, 1C	5H, 2C	3
Skill and Competencies	5H, 2C	3H, 2C	5H, 2C	5H, 2C	3
Concepts	4-5H, 3C	3-4H, 3C	5H, 3C	5H, 3C	5
Events	4-5H, 3C	3-4H, 3C	5H, 3C	5H, 3C	4	same as concepts
Patents	2H, 1C	2H, 1C	3H, 1C	3H, 1C	2
Communication flow	4-5H, 4C	4-5H, 4C	4-5H, 4C	4-5H, 4C	5
Interest or Knowledge needs	4-5H, 2C	4-5H, 2C	4-5H, 2C	4-5H, 2C	4
Recipient Type	Mind Maps	Conceptual Graphs	Ontology	Concept Maps	Weight	Notes
Individual	5	4	4	5	5
Team	5	4	5	5	3
Organization And Networks	5	3	5	5	3
Dyadic	5	4	4	5	4	same as individual
Departmental	5	4	5	5	2	same as team
Community	5	3	5	5	3	same as organization
Inter-Organization Maps	5	3	5	5	2	same as organization
Content Formats	Mind Maps	Conceptual Graphs	Ontology	Concept Maps	Weight	Notes
Websites	5	3	4	5	3
Documents	4	4	4	4	4
DataBases or Repositories	5	5	5	5	5
Learning Object	5	3	5	5	2
Online Courses	3	1	3	3	3
Notes taking	4	1	2	4	4
Layout	Mind Maps	Conceptual Graphs	Ontology	Concept Maps	Weight	Notes
Chained	3	4	5	5	3
Clustered	5	2	5	5	4
Hierarchical	5	3	5	5	4
Radial	5	1	4	5	3
Networked	5	3	5	5	5
Creation Mode	Mind Maps	Conceptual Graphs	Ontology	Concept Maps	Weight	Notes
Manual	5	3	4	5	5
Automated	2	3	2	2	3
Semiautomated	3	4	3	3	3
Collaborative	5	4	5	5	4
Purpose Of KM Process	Mind Maps	Conceptual Graphs	Ontology	Concept Maps	Weight	Notes
Knowledge Creation	5	2	4	5	3
Knowledge Assessment  or audit	5	3	4	5	4
Knowledge Identification	5	4	5	5	4
Knowledge Development or Acquisition	5	3	4	5	4
Knowledge Transfer	5	2	4	5	5
Sharing Or Communication	5	2	4	5	5
Knowledge Application	4	3	5	4	3
Knowledge Marketing  Maps	4	2	2	3	2
Knowledge Type	Mind Maps	Conceptual Graphs	Ontology	Concept Maps	Weight	Notes
Know-What	5	4	5	5	5
Know-Who	5	4	5	5	5
Know-Why	5	4	5	5	5
Know-Where	5	4	5	5	5
Know-Who	5	4	5	5	5
Visualization type	Mind Maps	Conceptual Graphs	Ontology	Concept Maps	Weight	Notes
Sketch	3	1	2	4	4
Diagram	3	1	2	3	3
Image	3	1	2	3	2
Map	2	1	2	2	2
Object	1	1	2	2	3
Interactive Visualization	3	1	3	3	4
Story	3	2	2	3	4
Graphical Form	Mind Maps	Conceptual Graphs	Ontology	Concept Maps	Weight	Notes
Table	2	2	3	3	3
Base Map	3	3	3	3	3
Diagrammatic Maps	3	3	3	3	3
Cartographic Maps	3	1	4	3	2
Geographic Maps	3	1	4	3	2
Heuristic Maps	3	1	3	3	3
Metamorphic Maps	2	2	3	3	4
Interactive Maps	4	2	3	4	4
Mental Maps	4	2	2	3	4
3D Maps	4	1	2	2	4
Function Type	Mind Maps	Conceptual Graphs	Ontology	Concept Maps	Weight	Notes
Coordination	3	2	4	4	5
Attention	3	1	2	3	4
Recall	4	1	2	4	5
Motivation	3	1	2	4	3
Elaboration	4	2	4	4	5
New Insight	4	3	4	4	5

[1] Burkhard, R., Meier, M., Smis, M., Allemang, J., Honisch, L. (2005). Beyond Excel and Powerpoint: Knowledge Maps for the Transfer and Creation of Knowledge in Organizations. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Information Visualisation, p76-81. [Online] Available from: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/login.jsp?url=/ielx5/10086/32319/01509062.pdf?arnumber=1509062  (Accessed: 13 March 2009)
[2] Eppler, M.J. (2008). A Process-Based Classification of Knowledge Maps and Application Examples In: Knowledge and Process Management, Vol15, No1, p59–71. John Wiley & Sons. [Online] Available from: www.interscience.wiley.com (Accessed: 13 March 2009)
[3] Nastase, A. (2009). Utilizing Mind Maps as a Structure for Mining the Semantic Web. [Online] Available from:  http://www.scribd.com/doc/16612282/Dissertation-paper-Utilizing-Mind-Maps-as-a-Structure-for-Mining-the-Semantic-Web (Accessed: 20 June 2009)