Read the semantic map
Use this guide to open the semantic map, identify clusters, and jump to the underlying project items.
When to use the semantic map
The semantic map becomes useful once a project has several sources and notes. A project with one or two items will produce a sparse map that shows little structure.
Use the map when a list of sources is no longer enough to understand what the project contains or what to read next.
Steps
- Open the semantic map for the current project.
- Wait for items to appear.
- Read the cluster labels or groupings to identify themes.
- Select individual items to open them.
- Use angle controls to reposition the map around a different concept if that option is available.
Read clusters first
Start with the largest clusters. Ask what each one represents:
- A research topic or subfield
- A shared method or approach
- A group of notes built around the same question
- A set of sources with similar evidence types
After reading the clusters, look at outliers. Items at the edge of the map may be unique sources, underexplored directions, or material that does not belong in the project.
Open items from the map
The map is a navigation surface. Select an item in the map to open the underlying source, note, or chat. Read the actual content before citing, saving, or using the item in a question.
Use the map to make decisions
Good uses for the semantic map:
- Decide which sources to read next.
- Identify duplicate or overlapping sources.
- Find gaps in topic coverage.
- Group notes that belong together before writing a synthesis.
- Choose sources for a specific comparison question.