3D Topicscape is computer software that uses the concept-mapping or mind-mapping paradigm to allow ideas and information to be organized in 3D. This is important because many people learn concept mapping or mind mapping at school when the techniques are often used to help understand and retain new material but later find limitations. 3D Topicscape addresses these limitations in a new way.

A large proportion of users of mind-maps or concept-maps bring the same approach to planning and controling projects, and organizing ideas and information in adult life. There are dozens of software packages to support such activity giving some indication of its popularity (http://tarf.ihmc.us/servlet/SBReadResourceServlet?rid=1035838217923_724731641_1978). One well-known package, Mind Manager, has over 600,000 users (http://blog.mindjet.com/2005/09/all-about-mindjet-mindmanager-6). (On Google, a phrase search for "mind mapping" OR "mindmapping" OR "mind maps" OR "mindmaps" OR "concept maps" OR "concept mapping" in June 2006 yielded 3.8 million hits).

But there is a limitation that is mentioned often in newsgroups and experienced by any dedicated mapper. "I asked a friend what she thought of Mind maps. [snip] her answer was succinct: "I find I run out of space". I'd agree that is their main flaw (http://duffill.blogs.com/beyond_crayons/2004/10/where_is_tony_b.html). On a substantial project, the limits of a 2D sheet can be reached. The response to this is usually break the map down into multiple maps ("just create separate maps for the key subjects" http://www.diyplanner.com/node/319) but this can destroy the aim of having one visually-organized repository where everything relating to a project lives.

Which leads to the next value of concept or mind maps. Software to prepare them can often store files, with a link in the map that is capable of opening the file directly - another beneficial tool in project management or organizing information. The limitation here with 2D mind or concept mapping software is that only one file can be stored at a node. So if a six-page web article is to be stored, it may require six nodes in mind mapping software.

3D Topicscape overcomes this by allowing (effectively) unlimited levels of hierarchy and multiple files at every node. It provides zooming, and flight through the information landscape.

Topicscape was reviewed in Jeremy Wagstaff's column in the Wall Street Journal, "Fly through your computer", June 23rd 2006 (subscription required). The Wall Street Journal is an influential international daily newspaper published in New York City, New York with an average daily circulation of 1,800,607 (2002). ...

External links

• Official homepage of 3D Topicscape