IU researchers participate in exhibit that maps progress, history of science

Maps are tools that help people understand, learn and in rare cases reveal the location of buried treasure. Maps are usually restricted to physical places, but researchers at the IU School of Library and Information Science, as well as other institutions, have used them to chart the vast terrain of science.\nTwenty-two maps from different researchers are currently showcased at the New York Public Library. The exhibit, titled "Places & Spaces: Mapping Science" and featuring work by IU researchers and students, will remain on display until Aug. 31. Innovative illumination techniques were used to construct maps, diagrams and globes that offer both visual and intellectual simulation. \nBy viewing the maps, the general public has the opportunity to spy new directions on the horizon in a diverse range of scientific fields, as well as learning background information and other trends.\n"Students can gain an overview of a particular knowledge domain, identify major research areas, experts, institutions, grants, publications, patents, citations and journals, as well as their interconnections, or see the influence of certain theories," said Katy Borner, an SLIS faculty member and a curator of the event.\nBorner is sharing the role of curator with Deborah MacPherson, who is part of a Virginia-based organization called Accuracy & Aesthetics, which is dedicated to the advancement of education, cultural heritage and science. \nOthers involved include information technology experts, scientists, designers and artists from multidisciplinary fields . \nElisha Hardy, a junior majoring in fine arts and a member of Borner's Info Vis Lab, worked on aspects of design for the exhibit. \n"Functionality and aesthetics are important in design work," Hardy said. "In the case of these maps, design is crucial to creating a map that people will not only appreciate but want to know more about. Aesthetic beauty draws people in, while thought-provoking information keeps them there." \nBorner said researchers, grant agencies, data providers, industries and the general public could all be affected by the availability and access the maps provide. An important facet of a map that IU researchers worked on is its ability to classify. \nBruce Herr, a SLIS software developer, was a collaborator behind the development of a software program called the Taxonomy Validator, which fit in well with Borner's conceptual vision of a patent hierarchy map. \n"The TV's main purpose is to help taxonomists to be able to quickly see how well a classified entity fits in a classification schema," Herr said. "It will provide ways for the taxonomist to see potential misclassifications and if they are, they can move it to another spot and see how well it fits. It is also capable of creating high resolution outputs for use in posters or for getting a much higher resolution overview of the taxonomy."\n"Probably the most exciting, stressful time was when the project was near completion and I worked with Brad Paley (who lives in New York) over the phone making the final tweaks to the output. We went through at least 50 iterations of line color, text size, line shape, etc. until it got into the shape it is now as it hangs on the NYPL wall."\nFor details and schedules of information, visit http://vw.indiana.edu/places&spaces.