Net-Map is an interview-based mapping tool that helps people understand, visualize, discuss, and improve situations in which many different actors influence outcomes (Net-Map Brochure: 679 KB). By creating Influence Network Maps, individuals and groups can clarify their own view of a situation, foster discussion, and develop a strategic approach to their networking activities. More specifically, Net-Map helps players to determine
- what actors are involved in a given network,
- how they are linked,
- how influential they are, and
- what their goals are.
Determining linkages, levels of influence, and goals allows users to be more strategic about how they act in these complex situations. It helps users to answer questions such as: Do you need to strengthen the links to an influential potential supporter (high influence, same goals)? Do you have to be aware of an influential actor who doesn’t share your goals? Can increased networking help empower your dis-empowered beneficiaries?
The tool is low-tech and low-cost and can be used when working with rural community members with low formal education as well as with policy makers or international development actors.
My work involves dealing with lots of different infrastructures and bureaucracies at the micro and macro levels. I also facilitate connecting various infrastructures. Net-map is precisely what I process in my head as soon as I'm confronted with a new task, visualize a goal, enter a room of strangers for a meeting, planning press kits, strategic plans and so on.
Just the other day I was talking to a group of friends about my work and without knowing it I was explaining net-map. Since my work is as a facilitator of processes, events and change in several fields I interact with lots of players and trajectories. I like to think of them as characters (or actors) and narrative arcs it helps me with brainstorming and keeps me sane. When groups of narrative arcs comes together I feel like a great novel has been written.
Even though I have the innate ability to think in terms of net maps and keep those stored in my head. I'm still planning on utilizing net map. I think that when it all feels a bit surreal to me, I can look at it for a reality check.
You can make a net map with very basic arts and crafts materials using the tutorial or download VisuaLyzer™.
"Interactive tool for entering, visualizing and analyzing social network data. Create nodes and links directly in VisuaLyzer, or import data from Edgelist/Edgearray, Excel or GraphML formats."
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