Simple drawing tool

Have new ideas for the next release of IHMC CmapTools and IHMC CmapServer?
We welcome your suggestions and we will carefully consider whether to incorporate them into the software.
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caperwest
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2010 6:14 pm

Simple drawing tool

Post by caperwest »

I am not sure whether this is already available as an update (couldn't find any info in faq's or in the forum), but a simple drawing tool would be useful, something like a pencil that would allow me to overlay or emphasize existing connections.
nagashashi
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 27, 2016 12:21 pm

Re: Simple drawing tool

Post by nagashashi »

I agree with this suggestion. I was trying to group the ideas with simple drawing tools, like a rectangle or a circle, or even a line that separates the areas of the map. Is there another way to do this?
PeeterB
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Nov 02, 2017 5:22 am

Re: Simple drawing tool

Post by PeeterB »

Yes, I agree with this suggestion ..... although I imagine :
1. it might break the 'data model' behind cmap schema and/or map export facilities e.g. cmap xml
2. there might be difficulties rendering in the user interface i.e. what objects are 'in front' and what objects are 'behind' ....

I have been using this ihmc cmap tools for many years (an incredible piece of software, I love it to bits ..). I have often found that because of the ease of use of the interface (just double click to enter a new concept on a map, etc.) and the quality and degree of control provided to customize the concepts, linking phrases and layout/placement on screen etc that it can produce 'mind maps' of a much higher quality than commercial mind map software, but, really it's purpose is to produce concept maps ...

One way around this issue, adding 'dividing lines' and/or 'enclosing circles' is just to 'fake them' with e.g. 2 or 3 concepts with a colour of 'none' but with the connecting lines visible (i.e. with your preferred colour and thickness) invoked by holding down the shift key (so that the relationship doesn't need to be named) .....
with that method then :
2 'hidden' concepts with a visible non-named relationship can be used as a dividing line
3 'hidden' concepts with 2 connecting 3-point spline style connectors can be manipulated to fake a 'circle' ...
That approach might break the purity of the model from a file format / interchange perspective, but, it's a solution that's worked for me ...

I'm not sure if it's cool to post a link to screenshot or post a zip file or whatever on this Forum ? (this is my first post !) But, if I see some feedback from other users or admins I'll post up something ...
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