Topic Mapping as a metaphor or structure for Visual Language

[Sheila Kim]

In reading through the discussion thus far, I wonder if there is
something in the field of topic mapping that could serve as a metaphor
or structure for Visual Language.

It seems to me that one of the goals of visual language is to promote
experiential discovery and conversation. Could visual language + topic
mapping yield an interesting result? Anyone have any insights on this
one?

I've heard Jack Park speak on topic mapping as a way of taking stories
and relating key concepts together, or being able to link disparate
stories across cultures based on similar themes. They seem very link
oriented.

This story made me think of topic maps:

http://www.businessinnovationinsider.com/2006/09/creative_storytelling_for_scientists.php

A link for Jack Park:

http://www.nexist.org/nsc2004/index.html