Knowledge mapping
Contents
Definition
Knowledge mapping is The process of creating a knowledge map
Summary
Knowledge mapping is a tool to create a knowledge map.
Description
Overview
Knowledge mapping is a tool for managing knowledge or knowledge assets of an organization. The process of knowledge mapping involves defining the knowledge domain to be mapped and the relationships within the domain and creating a symbolic representation of this.
The output of knowledge mapping is a knowledge map and it is often used for codification of exiting knowledge. The exact form of the output and the suitable mapping process depend on the objective of creating the knowledge map.
Different approaches to mapping
There are several possibilities for knowledge mapping depending on the purpose of the mapping.
Knowledge mapping may involve several knowledge processes:
It may also include locating knowledge in the organisation or defining the relevant knowledge processes that act on the knowledge in question. For example how knowledge is transferred or codified.
In addition, the mapping process itself may create new knowledge or lead to learning.
Knowledge mapping may concentrate on the current situation or have a future oriented view. Thus it can also be used as a tool for determining possible knowledge loss risks or knowledge gaps.
Different ways of mapping in practice
Examples of different ways of mapping [2]:
- Maps that are automatically and dynamically generated by the computer (such as self-organizing maps)
- Maps that are semi-automatically generated (automatically assembled and then optimized by analysts)
- Maps that are designed once by domain and mapping experts and then used in the same way by all users
- Maps that are iteratively created, modified, or extended by the map user(s) themselves (community generated maps)
Case studies
Reference [1] provides on example of a knowledge mapping process on an organizational level.
References
[1] Day, J., How Knowledge Mapping is Being Used to Integrate Plans for Safe and Reliable Operations, In International Conference on Human Resource Development for Nuclear Power Programmes: Building and Sustaining Capacity Strategies for Education and Training, Networking and Knowledge Management, IAEA CN‐215, 2014, pp. 167-169.
[2] Eppler M., A Process-Based Classification of Knowledge Maps and Application Examples, Knowledge and Process Management, Volume 15 Number 1 pp 59–71 (2008), http://lpis.csd.auth.gr/mtpx/km/material/knowledge%20maps.pdf
