Mapping Scientometrics (1981–2001)

Abstract We investigate an integrated approach to scientometric studies with emphasis to the use of information visualization and animation techniques. This study draws upon citation and co‐citation patterns derived from articles published in the journal Scientometrics (1981–2001). The modeling and visualization takes an evolutionary and historical perspective. The design of the visualization model adapts a virtual landscape metaphor with document co‐citation networks as the base map and annual citation rates as the thematic overlay. The growth of citation rates is presented through an animation sequence of the landscape model. Issues concerning the visual‐spatial design are discussed from a citation analysis point of view.