Getting Started

What does it take to learn to Metamap?

A metamap is a collection of ideas and info, drawn onto the map canvas to reveal connections and other visual cues that help make sense of the content in context.

You're probably familiar with the practice of mind mapping a set of related ideas into a webbed bubble diagram. Metamaps is like that, with many more degrees of freedom and a collaborative environment where you can work with others to continually refine your maps and models.

One distinctive feature of a metamap is the colored icons, called metacodes, which signify the type of information referenced by each topic node on the map. Below is an example map:

The Metamaps interface and feature set is unique, and will likely take some getting used to. Metamaps will also stretch your thinking in new and interesting ways! The quickest way to learn and gain confidence is to start mapping, and to study what other mappers are doing on the platform - or better yet, team up with someone and practice mapping together in realtime.

This document is designed to get you familiar with the basics, in a matter of minutes if you're a quick study! It also points to several ways you can explore further and develop your capacities. Who knows where Metamaps will take you from there?

You will need to first make sure you have registered an account on Metamaps and are currently signed in to the platform. If you need help setting up your account, contact us or the person who invited you. Request a new account using our online form.

There are just a handful of basic functions to get started on the platform:

  1. Navigation
  2. Creating new maps
  3. Adding topics and synapses
  4. Communicate and share your work

Note: a convenient "cheat sheet" is available right on the map canvas (click the "?" button at lower right) for reference while mapping. You can also ask questions and post ideas in our Hylo community any time, or Tweet to us.

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