What is a literature map?

According to the University of the West of England, a literature map is one that maps literature or literary concepts based on connections and associations. Much like other maps, a literature map is a helpful method of visualization.

The source discusses different types of literature maps. One example is a mapping utility found online that creates a map following the entry of an author's name. The map created by the utility then places the most similar authors with the most similar readership closest together. A literature map can also be helpful in the performance of literary research, mapping research and theoretical papers based on their conceptual connections.