# Visual thinker? Try building maps of content. (Obsidian Canvas)  ## Intro [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=0s) - Maps of content are an effective method for centralizing notes around a singular topic within a note-taking system [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=0s). - Typically, maps of content are linear outline-style notes, but an alternative approach is using Obsidian's Canvas feature to build them [(00:00:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=6s). - Obsidian's Canvas feature can be utilized to create maps of content in a non-linear format [(00:00:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=15s). - A map of content is a concept that will be explored in more detail in the video, along with its application using Obsidian's Canvas feature [(00:00:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=21s). - For those new to Personal Knowledge Management (PKM), a free resource called PKM Kickstart is available, covering the basics of PKM, recommended apps, and essential skills to focus on [(00:00:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=30s). - PKM Kickstart is a 5-day email course that can be accessed by signing up through the link in the description [(00:00:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=48s). ## Map of Content [(00:01:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=60s) - [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] Canvas is a whiteboarding tool where users can add cards, arrows, direct notes, and media to create a visual representation of their thoughts and ideas [(00:01:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=61s). - A map of content is a note within a heavily linked system like Obsidian that serves as a place to collect and process thoughts and learnings on a specific topic or as a map to the knowledge formulated on a topic [(00:01:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=81s). - A map of content can be used to collect and process information on a specific topic, such as learning about [[First-person view (radio control) | FPV]] drones, including components needed, training resources, and Sims to use [(00:01:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=99s). - A mature map of content can become a table of contents-like feature, but with more uses, such as navigating to different parts of the Vault [(00:02:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=138s). - Maps of content can be split into multiple subtopics, making it easier to organize and launch into a topic area of the Vault quickly and easily [(00:03:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=190s). - A typical map of content can include various subtopics, articles, source material, and courses, serving as a high-level overview of the topic [(00:03:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=192s). - [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] Canvas can be used to build maps of content, providing a visual and interactive way to organize and connect ideas [(00:03:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=223s). ## Canvas [(00:03:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=225s) - A visual first map of content can be created in Obsidian Canvas, allowing users to draw arrows, connect ideas, add media, and create notes directly within the map [(00:03:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=228s). - This type of map is beneficial for visual thinkers, as it can be used similarly to a mind map, starting with a central node and branching out into various ideas [(00:04:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=254s). - Obsidian Canvas-based maps of content are more free-form than traditional mind mapping software, making them a suitable option for those who prefer a more flexible approach [(00:04:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=269s). - However, there are some limitations to using [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] Canvas for mapping content, such as the inability to create links between notes using arrows [(00:04:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=284s). - To link ideas together, users must still create links within the note body itself, rather than relying solely on the visual connections made in the map [(00:04:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=294s). - Despite this limitation, a map of content on Obsidian Canvas can be useful for visually representing the connections between ideas, as opposed to relying on the graph view [(00:05:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=313s). - Large maps may be challenging to navigate due to their visual complexity [(00:05:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=323s). ## 3D Printing [(00:05:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=325s) - Visual mind maps or maps of content can be messy and time-consuming to sift through, and may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who prefer linear and orderly thinking [(00:05:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=325s). - A map of content on 3D printing has been created, with a root node of "3D printing" that branches out into areas such as "Printing" and "[[Printer (computing) | Printers]]" [(00:05:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=350s). - The "Printers" section includes a note on "3D printers for beginners" that lists several options, with the observation that cheaper printers require more tinkering, while more expensive ones result in less frustration [(00:06:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=385s). - The [[Creality]] Ender 3 V2 printer was purchased, which requires more tinkering, and a [[YouTube]] video on setting up the printer has been added to the map for future reference [(00:06:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=413s). - A note has been created to log experiences with the printer, including ideas for future consideration if another 3D printer is purchased [(00:07:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=432s). - The "Filament" section includes notes on the specific brand and colors of filament being used, serving as a log for tracking and making notes on different aspects of 3D printing [(00:07:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=447s). - Having this information front and center helps to stay focused and dig into areas that matter, allowing for more research and learning on specific topics [(00:07:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=472s). ## Benes [(00:08:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=485s) - Benes is a slang term referring to a printing benchmark designed to push a printer to its limits, helping identify areas that need tweaking to prevent print failures, especially for larger prints [(00:08:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=489s). - The concept of Benes is related to 3D printing and may involve finding 3D models, which could be explored further in a separate map of content [(00:08:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=506s). - A map of content is being created to visually organize ideas, using headings and sections to group related concepts, which can be an effective approach to assembling a map of content [(00:08:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=529s). - The map of content is currently small but serves as a starting point for fleshing out ideas in a visual context, allowing for easier grouping and organization of ideas [(00:08:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=533s). - Alternative tools, such as Heptabase and Scrin, may be more suitable for a visual-based approach to mapping content, with Heptabase having been previously discussed on the channel [(00:09:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=586s). - Heptabase offers a quick walkthrough and demo for those interested in exploring its capabilities for mapping content [(00:09:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHwa_u04ko&t=597s).