What is citation mapping?

• Digital tools to search, or scrape, citation data from open access platforms/aggregators such as Lens.org, Crossref, OpenAlex etc. 
• Uses origin, or 'seed' papers to find other relevant papers by making connections between them
• Graphical representation of relationships between papers

How to use citation mapping as part of a literature search

• At the start of research
  • to quickly gain an overview of topic and  identify gaps in research
• After traditional database searching
  • to export reference lists and cited by papers from key evidence
  • to find evidence outside of traditional databases 

Watch the recording

30 min library webinar with more information and a demonstration of key citation mapping tools. 

Citation mapping tools

Use the decision matrix to choose the citation mapping tool that sits your needs. The library has graded these tools based on ease of use and functionality. 

Additional information

• Literature Mapping in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Review  
• 3 new tools to try for Literature mapping — Connected Papers, Inciteful and Litmaps