THE 8 MOST IMPORTANT TYPES OF CONCEPT MAPS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The most common types of concept maps include spider, hierarchical, organizational chart, systematic, multidimensional, landscape, and hypermedial concept map.

A concept map is a diagram or scheme that demonstrates the relationships between different concepts. It is a way of transmitting information in a graphic way, since it can help to structure the information. In this way it is easier to understand such information in a visual way.

These diagrams are widely used in schools, in engineering, and in design. They are an excellent way to develop logical thinking and study skills. This is so because they reveal the connection that exists between various concepts; in this way you can understand how individual ideas form a bigger idea.

Different types of concept maps are different ways of representing some information graphically. Each map has its advantages and disadvantages, so you have to analyze which is the most appropriate for each situation.

The main types of concept maps

1- Spider concept map

These maps are those in which the central word is placed in the middle of the map. In this way you can remove the branches around this word with the secondary ideas of the topic.

It is called a spider concept map because when finished, the branches look like the legs of a spider.

This type of concept map is very easy to set up and very easy to read and understand. It also has the advantage that all information is related around a unified theme.

The downside of this map is that the relationships between the concepts are difficult to show without making the structure look cluttered, so it can be difficult to read.

That is why it does not allow the integration of all the information and all the relationships between the concepts.

2- Hierarchical or chronological map

In these maps a base concept is placed at the top of the diagram. From that concept, the rest of the ideas will be broken down.

Keep in mind that these ideas should always range from the broadest to the most specific; that is to say, they go in hierarchical order according to their importance.

Concepts are usually circled or boxed. The main concept is located in a larger box or circle.

The good thing about hierarchical maps is that they follow a definite pattern; it is known that general information is located at the top and that it will move down to locate the more specific information. For that reason they are very easy to read.

On the other hand, the disadvantage is that they do not show the relationship between the information, thus limiting critical thinking and solving problems.

3- Organization charts

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These diagrams represent the information linearly. In this way the organization chart can be read in one direction; this makes the concept map make sense. Organization charts are very easy to understand.

The biggest advantage is that the data is organized in a logical and orderly way. On the other hand, these concept maps do not allow too much information to be placed, so they are usually quite incomplete. Also it is not possible to use them for critical thinking.

4- Systematic conceptual map

Life cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi. Basquetteur

They are very similar to organization charts, except that in systematic concept maps you can break down branches in which other ideas or concepts are expanded. Basically what this means is that you can add inputs and outputs to these maps.

Systematic maps are more complex concept maps that allow demonstrating reciprocal relationships between concepts; they usually have more arrows that indicate the various relationships and overlaps between the concepts.

For that reason they are very complete; all information can be included on the map and many relationships between concepts are shown.

Systematic concept maps are good for linking theory and practice; they also allow logical thinking to be used.

But due to the amount of information included, they can be difficult to read and understand. Additionally, they take a long time to complete.

5- Multidimensional conceptual map

In these maps, the design is developed starting from a certain figure, either two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Two-dimensional concept maps have the same structure as an organization chart.

In other words, a multidimensional concept map is an organization chart organized into a more complicated figure that takes a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape. This adds dynamism to the diagram; it's like a slightly more complex organization chart.

6- Conceptual landscape map

These concept maps are designed from a landscape structure. They start at some point and the information begins to be diagrammed according to the image or design that you want to make.

In the end, the conceptual landscape map should make sense as the idea is that the concepts are integrated into the landscape and form a particular image or design.

7- Hypermedia concept map

All concept maps can be converted into a hypermedia map. In this type of map, the idea is that each concept or structure of the diagram leads to a multimedia link; that's where its name comes from.

These types of maps are very good at expanding information. Hyperlinks allow much more information to be added that would not be possible otherwise.

8- Concept map of mandala

In this kind of concept map the information is presented in a format that includes interconnected geometric shapes that represent the relationships between the concepts.

They are usually done on a computer in order to add visual effects that are attractive to the reader and thus focus their attention on the most important parts.

References

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5. Kinds of concept maps. Recovered from ucolick.org
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7. Types of concept maps. Recovered from vitalcurriculum.com