The definition of narrative mapping:
“An attempt to represent visually events that unfold over time. This would be mapping (rather than just presenting a picture), because space, time, and perhaps other components of the events would be accounted for. A visual information space is constructed that provides a formulation of complex activities" (Mamber,2003: p.145).
Therefore, mapping has become a “form of critical visualization" (Mamber S.,2003: pp.145) which might be a useful alternative term to narrative mapping.
Four purposes of narrative mapping
According to Mamber (2003: pp.146-148):
1. Representation:
The mapping can be used to represent an event, a trip or information. For the new mapping, it is now an alternative method to conceptualize the informatiln and make the access to the work more easily. It is particularly using in complex narratives. Any detail which is laid out can be chosen by a user.
For example: Video On Demand
2.Analysis:
Mapping is also a way to interpret texts or data. It can provide an overview or synthesis of contents so that it is useful to arrange complex information and to recast or reformulate the narrative in a new light. It can be seen as a method which is to translate an abstraction into a theoretical construst.
3.Information Space:
Using narrative mapping can construct or model an information space by connecting to different aspects of a narrative and make it become a visual representation. Therefore, a process of a activity or a phenomenon can be unfolded by this and it can lead to its creation and then to what has subsequently been said about it.
Moreover, it can develop a structure to position and contextualize bits of information, as much as being a visual representation. The map is of a field of linkages, a model of how ideas and like objects connect.
4.Interface:
Because narrative can be broken down into many components and each of them can be a way to access the work, the narrative mapping becomes the interface to the work itself and the text its own invitation to user-initiated access.
It can be seen as a method to conceptualize a activity into the realm of interface design with both temporal and spatial dimensions.
For example: hypertext
The characters of new narrative mapping
1. Interactive
http://www.corda.com/optimap-map-styles.php
2. Both the fictional and the real can be mapped
3. Hypertext
4. Synthetic
The most popular types of narrative mapping
On the basis of Mamber (2003: pp.148-150):
1. Geographic
View Larger Map
2.Temporal
http://www.dipity.com/timeline/Haiti-Earthquake
3.Thematic or Structural
4.Conjectural
Conjectural narrative maps can be guesses made visible.
5.Conceptual
to visualize, reconceptualize
This kind of map contends with whatever it is meant to represent.
Core Viewing:
1.
2.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/07/31/business/20080801-metrics-graphic.html
3.
Qusetion:
1. Do you have any other narrative mapping beyond the examples above?
2. Is the new narrative mapping in related with political and economic power?
starlivia
