3D Topicscape

Infobox Software
name=3D Topicscape
latest_release_version = 1.60
developer = [http://www.3d-scape.com/ 3D-Scape Limited]
latest_release_date = July, 2008
genre = PIM mind-mapping concept mapping
license = Commercial; Free Student Edition;
operating_system = Microsoft Windows
website = [http://www.topicscape.com/ 3D Topicscape]

3D Topicscape, a software application, is a Personal Information Manager that provides a template loosely based on mind-mapping or concept mapping. It presents the mind map as a 3D scene [ [http://www.topicscape.com/Topicscape-3D-mindmap-structure-explained.php 3D scene] ] where each node is a cone (or pyramid, or variation on such a shape). Nodes are arranged in a way that indicates how they are related in much the same way as a mind map. In addition to its use for information management it is claimed to be suitable as a task manager, and for use in project management.

A Topicscape is created by importing folders (by Drag-and-drop or menus) , importing from other mind mapping software including FreeMind, PersonalBrain and MindManager [ [http://www.topicscape.com/topicscape-and-mindmanager.php Importing from other software] ] or by hand with mouse clicks or keyboard shortcuts. Import sources may be converted to a new Topicscape or added as a portion of an existing one.

The number of levels that can be stored is not limited, but up to seven levels of the hierarchy may be viewed at once [ [http://www.topicscape.com/unlimitedlevels.php Seven levels visible] ] . Any node may be chosen as the centre of the 3D scene and choosing one at the edge will cause more to come into view.

Topicscape most obvious difference from 2D mind mapping software is that it provides a zooming interface [On-line manual: [http://www.topicscape.com/Topicscape-Pro/usersguide/help.php?page=105 Quickzoom description] ] and simulates flying as noted by Wall Street Journal columnist Jeremy Wagstaff in his column "Fly through your computer" [ Jeremy Wagstaff (Wall Street Journal, June 23, 2006) [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB115099462942087665.html "Fly through your computer"] ] .

Versions

*3D Topicscape public Beta in Jan 2006

*3D Topicscape 1.0, May 2006

*3D Topicscape Lite 1.05 and Pro 1.2, Feb 2007

*3D Topicscape Pro 1.3, May 2007

*3D Topicscape Student Edition Beta, Sept 2007

*3D Topicscape Lite 1.07, Pro 1.56, Dec 2007

*3D Topicscape Student Edition 1.0, Feb 2008

*3D Topicscape Pro 1.59, May 2008

*3D Topicscape Lite 1.2, Aug 2008

*3D Topicscape Pro 1.60, July 2008; 1.63, September 2008

File Format

Uses an embedded Firebird relational database to store user-provided and operational metadata. Files attached to nodes (topics) may be linked to in their original location or be held in a folder (directory) associated with a given Topicscape. Links to files in a Topicscape's folder are relative. Topicscape folders may therefore be moved without breaking such links.

Import file formats supported include FreeMind, OML, MindManager 5,6 & 7, PersonalBrain and text (outline-numbered);

Export file formats can be those for FreeMind, OPML, HTML and text structured for re-import, or text for reading.

ee also

*Brainstorming
*List of Mind Mapping software
*List of concept mapping software
*Personal information managers
*Mind map

Footnotes