Wikimaps: dynamic maps of knowledge. (1st January 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kleeb, Reto; Gloor, Peter A.; Nemoto, Keiichi; Henninger, Michael
• Is Part Of: International journal of organisational design and engineering. Volume 2:Number 2(2012)
• Page Start: 204
• Page End: 224
• Publication Date: 2012-01-01
• Subjects: Wikipedia -- scientific visualisation -- intercultural comparison -- knowledge mapping; Management information systems -- Periodicals; Computer engineering -- Periodicals; 658.4038011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-9797

Abstract

We introduce Wikimaps, a tool to create a dynamic map of knowledge from Wikipedia contents. Wikimaps visualise the evolution of links over time between articles in different subject areas. This visualisation allows users to learn about the context a subject is embedded in, and offers them the opportunity to explore related topics that might not have been obvious. Watching a Wikimap movie permits users to observe the evolution of a topic over time. We also introduce two static variants of Wikimaps that focus on particular aspects of Wikipedia: latest news and people pages. 'Who-works-with-whom-on-Wikipedia' (W5) links between two articles are constructed if the same editor has worked on both articles. W5 links are an excellent way to create maps of the most recent news. PeopleMaps only include links between Wikipedia pages about 'living people'. PeopleMaps in different-language Wikipedias illustrate the difference in emphasis on politics, entertainment, arts and sports in different cultures.