Cognitive Maps of Knowledge Diagnosis (CMKD): The Essence of the Method, Classification, Characteristics and Synthesis Principles

The paper provides a theoretical summary of the accumulated experience in application of cognitive maps of knowledge diagnosis (CMKD) to support Intelligent Decision Support Systems (IDSS) in various areas of cyber-social systems development. The mapping method is identified and specified for knowledge diagnosis tasks. The essence of the CMKD method, the structure of the formed graphical image and the principles of its automatic synthesis based on digital footprint data are described. A classification of maps in the CMKD graphical notation is given and each option is described. The properties of maps are listed and the logic of their automatic analysis when providing explainable decisions in IDSS is described. Examples from various areas of analysis and decision making are given as illustrations. In conclusion, the specifics of the practical application of the CMKD method are discussed based on the results of fifteen years of experience in using this cognitive visualization method.