4.2.8    Conceptual structure

The thematic map helps in understanding the main topic f a research field; in general we have the central theme in the middle of the graph, emerging topics in bottom left, basic knowledge topics in bottom right, hot topics in top right and niche themes in top left.
Figure 13 is built on "keywords plus" and it allows to identify clearly the basic topics (architectural design, information theory, buildings), the present drivers of research (construction management, computer aided design), the niche topics (design, interoperability) and the emerging ones (automation, geographic information systems).