Abstraction in Concept Map and Coupled Outline Knowledge Representations

Concept maps are used to graphically represent knowledge about a domain. As a knowledge
representation tool, concept maps should attempt to incorporate representational mechanisms
isomorphic to users’ cognitive representations. This paper describes a computer-based concept
mapping tool that provides rich representational capabilities, including dynamic imagery (video,
animated images, sound) and multiple levels of abstraction. The tool can automatically translate a
concept map into an alternative representation -- an outline -- which contains all of the knowledge
contained in a multi-level concept map. This concept map tool is accessible via any standard
Web browser.