Cuesta College Logo Academic Support
Cuesta Home Academic Support Center Academic Support Disabled Student Programs & Services Tutorial Services

Kinds of Concept Maps

There are four major categories of concept maps. These are distinguished by their different format for representing information. Examples of the various types of concept maps are presented on the following pages. Click over each in order to open a special window that contains several images. After viewing them, click over the upper left corner of the special window to close it.

Four Major Categories of Concept Maps:

Spider diagrams, central disk with lines radiating to multiple boxes SPIDER CONCEPT MAP
The "spider" concept map is organized by placing the central theme or unifying factor in the center of the map. Outwardly radiating sub-themes surround the center of the map.
   
Heirarchy diagrams, similar to a pyramid, top box has 2 or more branches to next layer boxes, each of which may have 1, 2, or more branches to the next level. HIERARCHY CONCEPT MAP
The hierarchy concept map presents information in a descending order of importance. The most important information is placed on the top. Distinguishing factors determine the placement of the information.
   
Flow Chart Map, boxes lined up one after the next. FLOWCHART CONCEPT MAP
The flowchart concept map organizes information in a linear format.
   
System Concept Map, a more realistic flowchart with branching and rejoining SYSTEMS CONCEPT MAP
The systems concept map organizes information in a format which is similar to a flowchart with the addition of 'INPUTS' and 'OUTPUTS'.

Special Concept Maps include the following format types:

Landscape map, multiple boxes linked together, similar to houses connected by streets. PICTURE LANDSCAPE CONCEPT MAP
These maps present information in a landscape format.
   
3 D concept maps, a pyramid of blocks, a large rectangular solid made of many smaller blocks. MULTIDIMENSIONAL / 3-D CONCEPT MAP
These describe the flow or state of information or resources which are too complicated for a simple two-dimensional map.
   
Mandala Maps, interlcoking geometric shapes MANDALA / MANDALA CONCEPT MAP
Information is presented within a format of interlocking geometric shapes. A "telescoping" factor creates compelling visual effects which focus the attention and thought processes of the viewer.

Source:

Kinds of Concept Maps, http://classes.aces.uiuc.edu/ACES100/Mind/c-m2.html

 

Active Listening & Learning Logo

Previous Page

Back to Table of Contents

Next Page

 

Return to Top