What is Mapping?
Mapping is a method of visualizing critical events, activities or processes in sequence to move us from where we are today to where we want to be in the future. Frequently people produce splendid action plans, yet are unable to deliver and succeed because they fail to anticipate the interconnections and sequence of events that must occur. Mapping things out visually enables us to scrutinize our plans under a much sharper lens.
A Macro Map provides the Big Picture or Overview of major objectives. An example is a client who conducted a nation-wide HIV survey for the government of Ghana.
• A Micro Map is a highly detailed map of specific tasks. One example was a four-day, educational conference on prevention activities involving 1,000 people for the state of Idaho. Another was a student who neeeded to map out the process of preparating her graduate disseration.
• Through an interview process, clients describe their program or process to me while I listen, take notes and create a visual representation. The resulting map can be used to explain a program to others, to provide a visual guide, and to keep all participants informed.
• Maps make a complicated process easier to understand and implement. The process itself also helps you to clarify goals and objectives. Maps vary in size from a few feet long to--in some cases--up to 20 feet long for a multi-year programs or projects.
