A concept map shows how ideas connect. You draw each concept as a box or oval, then join two concepts with an arrow carrying a linking word. Together, those three parts read as a short sentence called a proposition.
Maps often run general-to-specific from the top down, but they can branch freely with several clusters. Add cross-links between distant branches to show deeper relationships. The technique was developed by Joseph Novak's team at Cornell in the 1970s and builds on the idea that new learning sticks when it attaches to what you already know.
How to build one here
- Box / Oval — drag on the canvas to create a concept, then type its name.
- Link — drag from one concept to another; release on a concept to attach. Then type the linking word.
- Text — click to drop a free-floating label or note.
- Select — move things, drag the corner handles to resize, or drag a link's endpoints. Recolor and resize from the right panel.
- Double-click any item to edit its words. Press Delete to remove the selection.
- Export JPG saves a picture of your finished map. Save stores an editable file you can re-open later.
Get your own Concept Mapper
This app was created by Tom Baker of the Esri Education Team (tbaker@esri.com). Anyone can add the Concept Mapper to their ArcGIS StoryMap or other educational web publications.
To use the app, in ArcGIS StoryMaps add an Embed block and paste the following URL: https://trbaker.github.io/concept_mapping/