Graphic organizers are visual formats that help us better understand information. That’s why they’re key allies in education, since they help students retain knowledge more clearly.

However, in this post we’ll focus on three of the most popular ones: the mind map, concept map, and synoptic chart—from their definitions, similarities, and differences to practical examples that will guide you in choosing the most suitable one.

Mind Map, Concept Map, and Synoptic Chart 2025: Differences, Examples, and Uses

What is a concept map?

A concept map is a graphic scheme that organizes concepts hierarchically using words or phrases. It was developed by Joseph Novak and his team in the 1970s and is based on David Ausubel’s theory of meaningful learning.

Concept map characteristics:

• Establishes logical connections between concepts through lines and linking words.

• Uses nodes or boxes to present key concepts.

• Summarizes information in a clear, understandable structure.

Hence its usefulness as a strategy to facilitate meaningful learning in areas such as education and science, since it helps organize theories and represent processes—for example, the water cycle or the structure of DNA.

Mind map: Definition and uses

The mind map is a technique created by British psychologist Tony Buzan to organize a topic starting from a central idea.

A mind map consists of the following elements:

• A central word or image that summarizes the main idea.

• Radial branches that connect subtopics freely.

• Colors and images that stimulate memory and creativity.

• Keywords instead of long sentences.

They are a common method for structuring information, so they are often used to:

• Generate brainstorming.

• Synthesize information visually.

• Organize projects, goals, or tasks.

These types of maps aim to resemble the way we think by associating ideas freely and creatively—and they have proven to be a very effective tool for boosting learning.

What is a synoptic chart?

A synoptic chart is a graphic tool that shows a visual summary of main ideas and their relationships. It is based on a horizontal design, with general topics on the left and subtopics to the right.

This tool helps discern which data are relevant and how to organize them. In addition, it uses several formats:

• Braces (the most common), where each brace leads to subcategories.

• Columns, to distribute information in parallel blocks.

• Diagrams, which mix icons or arrows to provide greater visual clarity.

A synoptic chart is used to:

• Condense long chapters or articles.

• Organize school or university subjects.

• Show similarities and differences between concepts.

Why? Because it can synthesize large volumes of information into a format that’s easy to review.

Similarities among mind map, concept map, and synoptic chart

These three formats each have their own way of representing information, but they undeniably share common points:

• They are graphic organizers for students and professionals.

• They are designed to arrange and synthesize information.

They share the same purpose: to turn information into formats that are easy to understand.

Differences among mind map, concept map, and synoptic chart

At first glance, the main difference among these three graphic organizers is their structure. However, there are other aspects in which they differ; let’s look at them below:

Orientation and structure

If you look at how they organize information, you’ll see they are different:

• The concept map does so vertically, showing how some ideas are subordinated to others.

• The mind map adopts a radial form, creating a visual network similar to the connections of thought.

• The synoptic chart opts for a horizontal style, with braces that lead to subtopics, dividing information from left to right.

Connectors and elements

The elements each graphic resource uses also vary:

• The concept map shows how concepts relate to each other through linking words.

• The mind map uses both keywords and images and colors.

• The synoptic chart, by contrast, is limited to the use of braces, columns, or simple diagrams to group ideas clearly and quickly.

Level of hierarchy and flexibility

• The concept map best reflects the hierarchy of information, since it allows you to work with several levels of depth.

• The mind map, on the other hand, is the most flexible due to its free branches and non-linear associations.

• Meanwhile, the synoptic chart is more rigid, though it maintains a clear hierarchy.

Most common uses

The use of each tool depends on the context, but here are some common applications:

• Concept map. Ideal for explaining complex theories or processes; therefore widely used in academic and scientific contexts.

• Mind map. Tends to stand out in creative and business environments to generate ideas, plan projects, or present proposals dynamically.

• Synoptic chart. Frequently used for individual study and exam preparation, since it’s useful for reviewing topics, making comparisons, or summarizing texts.

Each tool has its advantages and disadvantages, yet all can adapt to different fields.

Which one to use depending on the situation?

If they are all effective, how do you decide between a mind map, concept map, or synoptic chart? It depends on your goal.

Choose a concept map if…

• You need to organize a topic from higher to lower levels of detail.

• You want to show how several concepts are related.

• You seek to explain complex processes or theories.

Choose a mind map if…

• You prefer an attractive, flexible visual scheme.

• You want to generate ideas creatively.

• You need to plan projects or take quick notes.

Choose a synoptic chart if…

• You have to summarize texts or prepare for exams.

• You want a clear, orderly review in a small space.

• You need to compare concepts quickly.

Each of these organizers is unique—you just have to use them in the right situation. Also, you don’t have to create them from scratch, since there are many apps for creating concept maps, mind maps, or synoptic charts.

Examples of each tool

In the following table, you’ll see how information is organized in each case:

But nothing beats visual examples to better understand how each tool works.

Concept map examples

Practical examples of the mind map

Synoptic chart examples

Conclusion

The mind map, concept map, and synoptic chart are three different ways to organize ideas.

The mind map represents ideas from a central core with visual branches, making it useful for generating ideas or planning. The concept map, by contrast, organizes knowledge into clear hierarchies and helps you understand complex processes. Meanwhile, the synoptic chart condenses content in a linear scheme and is useful for studying or comparing at a glance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a concept map and a mind map?

The difference is that the concept map is more academic and hierarchical. The mind map, on the other hand, is creative and flexible, placing the main idea in the center with branches, images, and colors.

What advantages does the synoptic chart have over the concept map?

The synoptic chart is simpler and quicker to create, so it’s ideal for summarizing extensive information in a small space. Unlike the concept map, it doesn’t require cross-connections, which makes it practical for reviewing or comparing topics.

Which is easier to make for studying?

In general, the synoptic chart is easier, since it only requires organizing content with braces or in columns. Its format is linear and doesn’t require as elaborate a visual design.

Sources:

Theory of meaningful learning

Effectiveness of mind maps