Information Space & Knowledge Representation
One way to explain information space is to compare it to a map of streets. A street map offers two-dimensional, spatialized information and indicates placement of roads, buildings, etc., in relationship to one another.
Concepts can be represented in a similar way; that is, certain ideas are connected to other ideas, which link to still other ideas, just as roads are interconnected. To take the paradigm a step further, just as many online mapping applications today provide users a three-dimensional look and feel, or video games create the illusion of 3D environments, concepts also can be represented in 3D spaces. In concept mapping, we call these spaces "information space." This spatialized version of information is also referred to as "a working canvas," because its both collaborative and allows for traveler, application and tool set interaction.
People generally take in information visually at a much faster rate than they can absorb written material. The idea behind using information space and knowledge representation technologies is to take advantage of this fact by presenting data using graphical representations.
Rational Data uses its 3D electronic canvas, in conjunction with its concept map application, to convey information more efficiently. On the Rational Data Network, these canvases contain "mindspaces," or genre-specific spaces that are information-based.
For example, imagine creating a mindspace designed to look at a molecular configuration and then bringing it together with data and applications to work with this kind of space.