Mapping: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about creating a direct connection or path between two sets of information.

• The app's mapping function lets users generate a route between their current location and their destination.
• We need a mapping strategy to assign these tasks to the team members efficiently.

Used to indicate a connection or link between things or people, often informal or conceptual.

• Many people have a strong association of summertime with holidays and relaxation.
• The study looks at the association between diet and health.

Refers to a relationship where things match or are similar, often in communication or formal context.

• There is a clear correspondence between the symptoms observed and the disease described in the textbook.
• We maintain regular correspondence with our overseas partners.

Used to describe how things are connected to one another, broader and more general than 'association'.

• The research investigates the relation between economic policies and growth.
• Their relation is professional rather than personal.

Used for general purposes when creating a visual representation of an area or concept.

• The team is mapping the new hiking trails
• We are mapping the process to improve efficiency

Used in a more formal or scientific context, specifically related to the profession or study of map-making.

• She studied cartography in university
• Advances in cartography have made navigation more accessible

Often used in nautical or scientific contexts, focusing on the creation of detailed maps or graphs.

• They are charting the course for the sailing expedition
• The scientists are charting the data collected from the experiment

Used for planning or outlining a strategy, often in a detailed and methodical manner.

• We are mapping out our business plan for the next year
• She is mapping out her travel itinerary

Use when referring to the process of linking or associating elements from one set to elements of another set. Commonly used in mathematics, computer science, and data analysis.

• The mapping between these two data sets is well-defined.
• In our project, we need to create a mapping of user IDs to their respective roles.

Ideal for mathematical contexts or programming where a specific input produces a specific output through a defined process.

• The function of f(x) = x^2 is used to calculate the square of a number.
• In JavaScript, the function calculates the sum of two numbers.

Use when describing a process that changes or modifies something from one state to another, often used in mathematics, physics, and personal development.

• The transformation of water into ice occurs at 0 degrees Celsius.
• The data transformation process ensures that raw data is converted into meaningful insights.

Best for describing a connection or association between multiple elements, often seen in mathematics, sociology, and database systems.

• The relation between supply and demand affects prices.
• This database table defines the relation between customers and their orders.