COFA1002 - Assessment 1: Conceptual Mapping - 500 Word Research
A map can generally be defined as a graphic representation of the Earth’s surface using colours, symbols and labels to represent certain features. Typically used for locating, directing and following to identify a route from one desired point to the other in the most efficient way possible. However, a map is more of a concept than simply a graphical representation of the Earth, a map has many characteristics and qualities that provide it with many alternative definitions. Most general definitions of a map contain the words graphic, representation, models, data, tool and/or communication and these words are all key aspects that specify the core features and characteristics of what makes a map. These core features and characteristics construct the concept of ‘what a map is’ and when thinking about a map from a conceptual point of view they help to define and illustrate its numerous capabilities.
Conceptually, a map can be a tool which is used to help navigate or represent an event, process, experience or action. A map can be two or three dimensional, can be of various mediums, it can illustrate various data and most of all it has the ability to communicate and transmit information. Maps can be used to plan, delineate or organise something, it has many purposes and there are no confines to the various ways of illustrating and demonstrating the information it carries. Maps can help to direct, process and demonstrate multiple situations and experiences and it does this through the layout, concept, direction, symbols and information which it is communicating through its chosen medium.
Internet mapping and Brain mapping are two examples of conceptual maps that defy the general definition of ‘what a map is’ however they obtain the various core characteristics and features. Internet mapping is a technique which consists of a graph/map-like data field which projects the movements of the path probes to each internet entity. Brain mapping is a visual data feedback source that maps the connectome in the brain (the connections between all the neurons). The visual result maps the process and connectivity that the brain undergoes when functioning and behaving. The pair both demonstrate the concept of a map as they clearly represent a process of events, illustrate a type of information, and communicate data.
Considering these types of maps, I have chosen to base my conceptual map on the mapping of the brain and its function and connectivity, showing the thought paths as knowledge is developed when researching and learning. My conceptual map is a documentation of the movements of my mouse with a computer software (IO Graphica) as I researched for the assignment, investigating the concept of a map and expanding my knowledge to complete this task. It shows various movements and pauses throughout my work and process, conceptually illustrating the thoughts and actions of the brain. Formatted into a GIF file constructed using various sections of the generated data maps helps to conceptually represent the process of the brain and its connectivity throughout the body.
Mitchell Farmer - z3459911
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