Thinkbase.cs.auckland.ac.nz - Mapping the World

Thinkbase is the new application associated with Freebase, which can be described as an open shared database of the world´s knowledge. Like Wikipedia, Freebase allows you to gather, share and edit information, while Thinkbase is the interactive map where you can expose relationships between the various entities. Using the Thinkmap visualization software, Thinkbase creates a visual connective screen that allows for easy access in referencing different semantic relationships. Each icon on the map corresponds to either a person, place or thing and when you move your cursor over the icons, different reltionships visually appear. For example, Indiana Jones will connect on the map with Harrison Ford, and when you move your cursor over Ford, his other movies will appear automatically on the split screen. There´s also an option of sharing the URL with others, further supporting the notion of using Thinkbase as a communicative tool among everyone who desires more topical information.

¨Thinkbase is a new way to navigate and explore information on the web. It is what we call a 'Visual Wiki'. It is based on Freebase, an open, shared database of the world's knowledge - in other words a Semantic Wiki. Thinkbase uses a visualization tool (Thinkmap) to create an interactive visual representation of the semantic relationships in Freebase.¨

Thinkbase uses an easily accesible splitscreen to connect its map to the Freebase data found on the right pane. The reader has a lot of fun moving his cursor around the icons to create different visual maps in order to learn more information about each item or person found on Freebase. There are even clear interactive instructions found within Thinkbase to teach the viewer exactly how to navigate among the topics. However, when one first accesses Thinkbase, its hard not to get overwhelmed by all of the visual stimulation. Spend some time getting used to the application by reading over the usage directions, which will make your entire experience more enjoyable.

How can Thinkbase advertise their services throughout the world wide web? How can Thinkbase compete with Wikipedia?