Comparing Information Mapping
DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture)
Information Mapping is not DITA. DITA is a mark-up language that specifies how content should be tagged in XML. Information Mapping provides a research-based method that provides proven techniques and guidelines to help authors create topic-based content that is optimized for the user.
Information Mapping and DITA work very well together. Information Mapping provides the extra, vital skills that content creators need to create the content. DITA provides a common language for tagging or describing the content. Information Mapping enables you to write modular, reader-oriented, precisely defined units. These units are already suitable for reuse. They can be easily created to comply with DITA standards.
Pacific Blue’s Information Mapping expertise provides an excellent foundation for DITA. A succesful implementation of DITA has many prerequisites. Pacific Blue provides three of the most important components:
- Professional services in connection with your DITA content architecture
- Training for DITA authors and content creators on a 2-day interactive workshop
- A Word-based XML DITA authoring tool, Content Mapper.
Software
Information Mapping is not software. It does not automatically analyse existing documents or convert them from one medium to another. The focus is on the content, not the technology.
But you can use the strategies and conceptual tools of Information Mapping with any software or document management tool.
And we do provide software which helps you to format content and implement Information Mapping in your organisation.
Select this link Value added software to read about Formatting Solutions Pro.
Content Management Systems
Information Mapping is not a Content Management System. It is not simply an information repository or knowledge database.
You can use Information Mapping to define your information requirements and design and develop the content. Then you can store it in whichever Content Management System or Knowledge Repository suits the needs of your organisation. Plus, Information Mapping helps you identify any gaps or contradictions in your knowledge base.
Information Mapping works with all the main authoring tools. It works with printed or verbal material as well as electronic material.
Process Mapping
Information Mapping is not Process Mapping. It is not merely a way of capturing your organisation’s processes. Nor is it a repository to store or automate your process documentation.
A proprietary or in-house Process Mapping approach will enable you to map your organisation’s processes. You can then use Information Mapping to define, design and develop the information contained in the processes and the procedures that implement them. Information Mapping helps you identify any missing steps or inconsistencies. You can store the information using any Process Mapping tool.
Mind Mapping
Information Mapping is not Mind Mapping. It does not help you brainstorm ideas or explore new uses for your information. Nor does it provide a tool for recording the information that you collect.
Mind Mapping will enable you to explore and capture the information that users may need. You can then use Information Mapping to connect the task to the information, identify how users will use it, and present in a way that they will find helpful. Information Mapping helps you analyse the information and identify any gaps or missing connections.
Who uses Information Mapping?
Hundreds of companies world-wide use Information Mapping to make their internal and external communications easier to access and understand. Select the link How can I use it? to read about what they do and how they use Information Mapping.