Comparing Mapping to Other Tools
There are other Mapping methods and ways of working that can be integrated with the Information Mapping method. The following examines these other ways and shows how Information Mapping works well with them.
Software
Information Mapping is not software. It does not automatically analyze existing documents or convert them from one medium to another.
Information Mapping is a personal skill you apply to your information. You can use the method's strategies and conceptual tools with any software or document management tool.
We do provide Formatting Solutions® Pro, a set of macros used with MS Word that helps you format content and implement Information Mapping in your organization. Select this link to read about Formatting Solutions® Pro.
Content Management Systems
Information Mapping is not a Content Management System (CMS). It is not an information repository or knowledge database.
You can use Information Mapping to
- define your information requirements
- design and develop your content
- store your content efficiently in whichever Content Management System or Knowledge Repository suits the needs of your organization, and
- identify any gaps or contradictions in your knowledge base.
Information Mapping works with
- all the main authoring tools
- printed or verbal material, and
- electronic material.
We do provide Content Mapper™, XML-authoring software that enables you to create modular content following Information Mapping standards and save Blocks and Maps as tagged XML objects. Select this link to more details on Content Mapper™.
Process Mapping
Information Mapping is not Process Mapping. It is not merely a way of capturing your organization's processes. Nor is it a repository to store or automate your process documentation.
Information Mapping is what you need after your own in-house Process Mapping tool maps your organization's processes. You can then use Information Mapping to
- analyze, organize, and present the information contained in the processes and the procedures that implement them, and
- identify any missing steps or inconsistencies.
You can then store the information using any Process Mapping tool.
Mind Mapping
Information Mapping is not Mind Mapping. It does not help you brainstorm ideas or explore new uses for your information. Nor does it provide a tool for recording the information that you collect.
Mind Mapping enables you to explore and capture the information that users may need.
Information Mapping then helps you analyze that information:
- It connects the task to the information.
- It identifies any gaps or missing connections in the information.
- It identifies how users will use the information.
- It presents the information in a way that users find helpful.
