Cmp User Manual

C m a p T o o l s U s e r M a n u a l

Copyright © The CMT Company Page 1-1 v418r5m1008

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1-2

CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW 2-3

CMAPTOOLS CONCEPTS 2-3

WHAT IS A CONCEPT? 2-3

WHAT IS A PROPOSITION LINK? 2-3

WHAT IS A CONCEPT MAP? 2-3

HOW DOES CMAPTOOLS HELP YOU CONSTRUCT A CMAP? 2-5

FORMATTING A CMAP 2-5

EDITING A CMAP 2-6

CREATING NESTED NODES 2-7

LINKING TO RESOURCES 2-9

SHARING A CMAP 2-10

CHAPTER 3: GETTING STARTED 3-11

STARTING CMAPTOOLS 3-11

VIEWS WINDOW 3-11

CMAPS IN MY COMPUTER 3-12

SHARED CMAPS IN PLACES 3-13

FAVORITES 3-14

HISTORY 3-14

DELETE BUTTON 3-15

ICONS ONLY CHECK BOX 3-15

STARTING A NEW CMAP 3-16

OPENING AND CLOSING CMAPS 3-16

SAVING A CMAP 3-16

CHAPTER 4: NESTING THE MAP 4-18

CREATING NESTED NODES 4-18

CHAPTER 5: SETTING THE FORMAT OF A CMAP ELEMENT 5-20

CHAPTER 6: EDITING CMAPS 6-23

INDEX 6-27


Page 1-2 Erreur ! Style non défini. Erreur ! Style non défini.

Chapter 1: Introduction CmapTools is the world’s leading software for writing Concept Maps, and allows

you to construct, manipulate and share Concept Maps. CmapTools can be used to

navigate and criticize knowledge models represented as Concept Maps, and can

be downloaded for free in the IHMC CmapTools official website.

CmapTools provides the following features:

• Advanced Collaboration and Sharing features that enable you to share

your Cmap with others around the world

• Enables linking to text files, audio, graphic files, videos, etc.

• Nesting Nodes to allow bigger yet easy-to-read Cmaps

• Formatting features to make your Cmap look the exact way you want it

• Editing features to facilitate construction of new Cmaps and manipulations

of existing ones.

CmapTools supports the following languages: English, Spanish, Italian,

Portuguese, Chinese, Turkish, Euskera, Finnish, Czech, French, Swedish, Kuna,

Catalan and German.

This manual is intended for all people, beginners or experts, who want to use

Concept Maps. Using Concept Maps doesn’t necessarily mean designing one in

order to express a knowledge model. It could also mean finding existing ones -

Concept Maps which represent other people’s knowledge models.

CmapTools Main Features



Chapter 2: Overview

CmapTools Concepts

Before understanding how to best use CmapTools, there are several concepts that

you must get familiar with:

• Concept

• Proposition Link

• Concept Map

What is a Concept?

A Concept is simply an idea, represented by a word. A concept can be either

physical, such as "Dogs", or abstract like "Dream". "Fur", "Thought", "Animal",

"Light" are all examples of Concepts.

What is a Proposition Link?

A Proposition link is an argument about two concepts, which describes the

relationship between them. For example, a propositional link between the

concepts "Dogs" and "Fur" would be: "Dogs have Fur". Other examples are:

"Cows produce Milk", "Tissue is composed of Cells" and "Dolphin is Mammal".

The propositional link can be either one-way, as in the above examples, or

bidirectional as in the following: "Musicians inspire Painters". Being bidirectional

means the relationship between the concepts applies both ways, and therefore

"Painters inspire Musicians" is also true. Other examples for bidirectional

Proposition Links are: "Mom loves Dad" ("Dad loves Mom" is just as true),

"Baby is Infant" ("Infant is Baby") and "Mr. Smith helps Society" ("Society helps

Mr. Smith").

What is a Concept Map?

A Concept Map, in CmapTools called "a Cmap", is a graphic representation of the

Propositional Links between two Concepts or more. It is meant to simplify the

Proposition Link Definition

Examples for Proposition Links

Concept Map Definition



expression and understanding of complex ideas. This is an example of a simple

Cmap:

As you can see, Concepts in a Cmap are represented by labeled boxes, and

Proposition Links by a labeled arrows. The arrows heads represent the direction

of the Proposition link. Two headed arrow represent a bidirectional Proposition

link as in the following example:

As this example shows, the layout of a Cmap can vary, as it is set according to the

desire of the Cmap composer.

Usually, Cmaps are composed of more than two Concepts, and therefore contain

more than one Proposition Link. Also, more than one Propositional Link can

derive from one Concept, as shown in the next example:

More and more elements can be added to a Cmap, as it grows bigger. These

elements will be connected to one another in a branching hierarchical structure, as

can be well seen in the following Cmap:

An example for a Complex Cmap

Concept Map Elements

Concept Map Layout

Cmaps of More than Two Concepts



In the above example, you can also see that two different Concepts can derive into

one Concept (both Green and White are color).

How Does CmapTools Help You Construct a Cmap?

To create a Cmap, you can use any graphic program that allows drawing element

and lines, and writing text –That’s fine for simple Cmaps. But when it comes to

more complex ones, such as Cmaps that contain dozens of elements and Cmaps

that have complex hierarchical structures, using graphic programs may become

quite difficult. You need the added value from a program like CmapTools that is

dedicated to constructing and reading Cmaps.

CmapTools provides many features that help facilitate the process of creating a

Cmap, as well as reading and understanding them. Among these features are:

• Formatting

• Editing

• Nesting

• Linking to resources

• Sharing

Formatting a Cmap

CmapTools enables you to format your Cmap by adding colors, shading,

changing the text, etc. By formatting the Cmap, you can make it easier to read and

understand, and also more unique. CmapTools provides a wide range of

formatting features. Here is an example of a formatted Cmap, as opposed to an

unformatted one:

Why not use any graphic program?



Same Cmap with and without formatting

See page 5-20, Setting the Format of a Cmap Element.

Editing a Cmap

CmapTools allows you to edit your Cmap by manipulating its elements through

deleting, copying, cutting and pasting. By editing the Cmap, you can easily

change it and move parts of it without the inconvenient need of rewriting them.

CmapTools provides all the familiar editing tools plus an additional feature that

allows copying and pasting styles. Here is an example of the use of the editing

functions in a Cmap:

Suppose you have completed writing the next Cmap:

And now you started writing a new Cmap:



An entire branch of your first Cmap applies perfectly to your new Cmap, along

with the ideas you want to express. Instead of wasting time in rewriting the whole

branch, you can simply copy it from the first Cmap to the second, achieving the

following result:

Copying and pasting styles allow you to apply the format of one element, to

another.

See page 6-23, Editing Cmaps.

Creating Nested Nodes

CmapTools enables you to merge a few elements of your Cmap into one element,

without loss of information. By creating Nested Nodes, you can save space on

your Cmap, and allow it to keep growing. CmapTools lets you decide whether

you want the elements inside the Nested Node to be apparent or not, through a

simple click of a button. The following example shows the use of Nested Nodes

in saving space:

Consider the next Cmap:



By creating two Nesting Nodes you can save the space of six elements:

The Arrows signs on two of the elements indicate Nesting Nodes

Still, you loose no information, as clicking the set of arrows on the right of the

node reveals its entire content:



A Cmap with extended Nesting Nodes

See page 4-18, Creating Nested Nodes.

Linking to Resources

CmapTools allows you to link objects of your Cmap to external resources,

meaning all kind of files. By linking to resources, you can open any file relevant

to your Cmap from within CmapTools, without browsing for it. Files like text

files, music files, image files, etc. CmapTools supports the reading of some files,

while for the others it uses external programs. The next example shows the

advantage of linking to a resource:

The icon on the “Cows” objects identifies it is linked to a resource, in this case an

image file:



Using this icon makes opening the linked file as easy as the click of a button.

With no need of browsing or opening other programs:

Sharing a Cmap

CmapTools enables you to let other online contacts see and change your Cmap

with your permission, and vice versa. By sharing a Cmap, you share your ideas

online, and get exposed to other people’s ideas. CmapTools provides an easy way

to handle the interface that allows this kind of interaction, as can be seen in the

figure on the next page.

Sharing is done using online collaboration sessions. Once a synchronous

collaboration session request has been approved by the admin or owner of the

Cmap, you can join it.

After you joined a collaboration session, you can modify and add to the Cmap, as

well as the other participants. Any change is visible to all the participants, who

can also chat with one another during the process.



Chapter 3: Getting Started

Starting CmapTools

You start CmapTools by simply choosing its icon from the Windows Start menu -

the Views window is displayed:

The Views Windows

Views Window

The Views window enables you to open a Cmap, share your maps with others,

manage maps that you have already created, and other activities.

At the top of the window lies the menu bar, which includes the File, Edit, Tools,

Window and Help menus.



At the left edge of the windows are four icons. Selecting each one of them

changes the Views window display. The selected icon is highlighted.

The Icon Description

The Cmaps in My Computer icon displays the Cmaps that you have stored on your hard-disk.

The Shared Cmaps in Places icon displays the Cmaps that are places in cyber space and to which you can reach through the internet

The Favorites icon displays the Cmaps you defined as your favorites

The History icon displays the recently accessed Cmaps

Cmaps in My Computer

This icon is already selected as a default when starting the program. When

selected, files saved on your hard disk, under the folder My Documents\My



Cmaps, are shown in the Views window. These files can be either Cmaps, or files

that can be linked to a Cmap (as you will see in latter chapters). Examples for

files are picture, text and sound files. Note: Files must be saved in this folder if

you want to link Cmaps to them.

Shared Cmaps in Places

After selecting this icon, the Views window displays a list of “My Places”. “A

Place” refers to a cyber space which contains a Cmap. Selecting this icon allows

you to reach online Cmaps saved on other servers.

Once this icon is selected, the Add Place button appears at the right top

corner of the Views window. Clicking this button opens the Add Places windows.

Add Places



You use this window to add places from which you want to import Cmaps, as will

be explained later.

Favorites

Selecting this icon shows the files saved under the folder My Documents\My

Cmaps which you defined as “Favorites”.

To define files as Favorites you must first select the Cmap in My Computer icon.

Then, position the cursor on the file you want to add to your Favorites, click the

right button, and select the Add to Favorites option.

History

Defining as Favorites



Selecting this icon makes the Views window display files which are saved under

the folder My Documents\My Cmaps. But as opposed to the display shown after

selecting the Cmaps in My Computer icon, here it is detailed and contains three

columns.

Resource displays the file name

Date Accessed indicates when the file was last accessed

Location shows where the file is located on your hard disk

Once this icon is selected, the Clear button appears at the right top corner of

the Views window. Clicking this button clears the list.

Delete Button

At the right bottom of the Views window you can find the Delete button , used

to delete files and Places. To do that, you simply select the file or Place by

clicking it, and then click the Delete button. The Confirm Delete window will

appear, asking you to confirm the delete. Choose Yes.

Icons Only Check Box

At the left bottom you can find the Icons Only check box. Selecting this check

box will cause the four icons at the left side of the Views window, and the buttons

at the right, to appear without their titles.



Starting a New Cmap

To start a new Cmap, select in the Views window the Cmap in My Computer

icon. Then, from the File menu click New Cmap. An Untitled window appears.

This is the window of your new Cmap. It will receive a name only upon saving

the Cmap you created in it.

Once you have a Cmap window opened, you don’t have to return to the Views

window to start a new Cmap. You can do it directly from the Cmap window, by

choosing from the File menu the New Cmap option.

Opening and Closing Cmaps

The easiest way to open an existing Cmap, is to double click its icon in the Views

window. The easiest way to close one, is to shut its window. If you close a Cmap

after changes have been made to it, the Save Changes window appears asking you

whether you want to save them. You can choose Yes, No, or Cancel for leaving

the Cmap open.

Saving a Cmap

To save a Cmap under its current title, from the File menu choose Save Cmap. To

save Cmap under a new title, or to save a new Cmap, from the File menu choose

Save Cmap As. Clicking the Save Cmap As option opens the Save Cmap As

window. This window allows you to save your work under an existing title, or to

create a new title and identifying details for your Cmap, as described in latter

chapters.



The Save Cmap As Window



Chapter 4: Nesting the Map

Creating Nested Nodes

You can merge a few objects together to one parent object, which is called a

nested node. Nesting lets you choose which elements you want inside the nested

node, and which ones you want out. You can also choose whether you want the

users of your Cmap to see the objects inside the nested node, or just a label that

you picked. For example, the main concept can appear as a label instead of the

entire detailed nested node.

By using nested nodes, you can save space on your Cmap. This allows your Cmap

to keep growing. For example, a sub brunch of twenty objects can be merged into

one nested node. Thus you save the space of nineteen objects without loosing any

information.

Before you create nested nodes, you must have a Cmap to work with. It can be

either a Cmap you are creating for yourself, or a one that was created for you.

The same Cmap expended and with labels using Nested Nodes

To create a nested node:

1. Use the mouse to choose the elements you want to merge.

The elements are marked purple.



2. Right click one of the elements.

The Insert menu opens.

3. From the Insert menu, choose Nested Node, then choose Create.

The elements you picked are joined together into a new object.



Chapter 5: Setting the Format of a Cmap Element

You can set the format of your Cmap elements, meaning choose their style and

background. Setting the format of your Cmap elements allows you to choose the

objects' color, shadow and shape and set any picture as its background. You can

also set the format of the lines and the text. For example, you can change the

text's font, size and alignment differently in any object.

By setting the format of your Cmap elements, you can design their look the very

way you want. This allows you to express yourself in a unique, more original

way. For example, you can set a picture of your favorite pet as the background of

an object.



More importantly, in many cases, formatting your Cmap can also help facilitate

understanding it. For instance, choosing a different color for each branch can

distinguish them more clearly from each other. Another example: A different font

or color can represent the hierarchic level of a Concept. This lets you express your

ideas in a more articulate way.

To set the format of a Cmap element:

1. Choose an element by clicking it.

The element is marked purple.

2. From the Format menu, select Styles…

The Styles box appears.

3. In the Font tab, choose the fonts' name & size, style & color, and text alignment.



The fonts inside the element change.

4. In the Object tab, choose the object's shape, color and shadow color. You can also set a picture as a background image.

The object changes.

5. In the Line tab, choose the line's color, thickness, style, shape, connection direction and arrowheads.

The line changes.

6. In the Cmap tab, choose the entire map's background color, or set a picture as the map's background image.

The background of the entire map changes.



Chapter 6: Editing Cmaps You can edit parts of various sizes of your Cmap. Editing your Cmap lets you

delete, cut, copy and paste a group of elements out of it. You can also copy and

paste styles. For instance, you can copy the format of an object and paste it to a

different one.

By using the editing function you can move different parts of your Cmap from

one location to another without creating them all over again. This allows you to

change the appearance of your Cmap without the need of rewriting it. For

example, you can multiple parts of your Cmap without rewriting them.

Before you perform editing, you must have a Cmap to work with. It can be either

a Cmap you are creating for yourself, or a one that was created for you.

To Cut/Copy and Paste items in your Cmap:

1. Use the mouse to choose the elements you want to work with.


2. Move the mouse on top of one of the elements you chose and click its right button.

The Insert menu is opened.

3. From the Insert menu, choose the action you want to perform: Cut or Copy.

4. Position the insertion point where you want to paste the elements you copied and click the mouse right button.




5. From the Insert menu, choose Paste.

The element you last cut or copied appears.

A t t e n t i o n !

When pasting elements, lines appear only if objects on both their sides were

copied or cut.

To Copy and Paste Styles:





3. From the Insert menu, choose Copy Style.

4. Position the insertion point on top of the element to which you want to apply the style you copied and click the mouse right button.




5. From the Insert menu, choose Paste Style.

The Style you last copied is applied on the element.

To Delete items from your Cmap:





3. From the Insert menu, choose Delete.



The element is deleted.



Index B

Buttons

Delete Button, 3-15

C

Cmaps in My Computer, 3-12 Concept

What is a Concept?, 2-3

Concept Map

Opening and Closing Cmaps, 3-16

Saving a Cmap, 3-16

Starting a New Cmap, 3-16

What is a Concept Map?, 2-3

Copying, 2-6, 6-23

Copying Styles, 6-24

Cutting, 2-6, 6-23

D

Delete Button, 3-15

Deleting, 2-6, 6-25

E

Editing, 2-6

Copying, 2-6, 6-23

Cutting, 2-6, 6-23

Deleting, 2-6, 6-25

Editing Cmaps, 6-23

Pasting, 2-6, 6-23

F

Favorites, 3-12, 3-14 Formatting, 2-5

Setting the Format of a Cmap Element, 5-20

H

History, 3-12, 3-14

I

Icons

Cmaps in My Computer, 3-12

Favorites, 3-12

History, 3-12

Shared Cmaps in Places, 3-12

Icons Only Check Box, 3-15

L

Linking to Resources, 2-9

N

Nested Nodes, 4-18

Creating Nested Nodes, 2-7, 4-18

P

Pasting, 2-6, 6-23

Pasting Styles, 6-24

Places

Adding Places, 3-13

Shared Cmaps in Places, 3-13

Proposition Link, 2-4

Bidirectional, 2-3, 2-4

What is a Proposition Link?, 2-3

R

Resources

Linking to Resources, 2-9

S

Shared Cmaps in Places, 3-12, 3-13 Sharing

Sharing a Cmap, 2-10

Styles

Copying and Pasting Styles, 6-24

V

Views window, 3-11, 3-13

