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Science map metaphors: a comparison of network versus hexmap-based visualizations

Author

Listed:
  • Katy Börner

    (Indiana University
    Indiana University Network Science Institute
    Indiana University)

  • Adam H. Simpson

    (Indiana University)

  • Andreas Bueckle

    (Indiana University)

  • Robert L. Goldstone

    (Indiana University
    Indiana University)

Abstract

Most maps of science use a network layout; few use a landscape metaphor. Human users are trained in reading geospatial maps, yet most have a hard time reading even simple networks. Prior work using general networks has shown that map-based visualizations increase recall accuracy of data. This paper reports the result of a comparison of two comparable renderings of the UCSD map of science that are: the original network layout and a novel hexmap that uses a landscape metaphor to layout the 554 subdisciplines grouped into 13 color-coded disciplines of science. Overlaid are HITS metrics that show the impact and transformativeness of different scientific subdisciplines. Both maps support the same interactivity, including search, filter, zoom, panning, and details on demand. Users performed memorization, search, and retrieval tasks using both maps. Results did not show any significant differences in how the two maps were remembered or used by participants. We conclude with a discussion of results and planned future work.

Suggested Citation

  • Katy Börner & Adam H. Simpson & Andreas Bueckle & Robert L. Goldstone, 2018. "Science map metaphors: a comparison of network versus hexmap-based visualizations," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 114(2), pages 409-426, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:114:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s11192-017-2596-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-017-2596-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kevin W. Boyack & Katy Börner & Richard Klavans, 2009. "Mapping the structure and evolution of chemistry research," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 79(1), pages 45-60, April.
    2. Kevin W. Boyack & Richard Klavans & Katy Börner, 2005. "Mapping the backbone of science," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 64(3), pages 351-374, August.
    3. Scott Emmons & Stephen Kobourov & Mike Gallant & Katy Börner, 2016. "Analysis of Network Clustering Algorithms and Cluster Quality Metrics at Scale," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(7), pages 1-18, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Joseph Staudt & Huifeng Yu & Robert P Light & Gerald Marschke & Katy Börner & Bruce A Weinberg, 2018. "High-impact and transformative science (HITS) metrics: Definition, exemplification, and comparison," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(7), pages 1-23, July.

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