How to Use Litmaps

Getting started with Litmaps

In this guide, you will learn how to create interactive citation maps that help you visualise connections between academic papers. By the end, you’ll be able to track relevant literature in your field efficiently.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to Litmaps.
2. Click on the "Sign Up" button at the top right corner.
3. Choose to sign up with your email or use a Google account.
4. Fill in your details and confirm your email address.
5. Once logged in, you will have access to the free plan, which allows you to create 2 maps and receive monthly alerts.

Step 2: Your first map

1. Click on the "Create New Map" button on your dashboard.
2. Enter a topic or keyword relevant to your research in the search bar.
3. Click on the "Search" button.
4. Select the papers you want to include by clicking the checkbox next to each title.
5. Click on the "Add Selected Papers" button to include them in your map.
6. Your citation map will be generated, showing the connections between the selected papers. You can drag nodes to rearrange and explore the visualisation.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Use the filter options on the left sidebar to narrow down results by publication year, citation count, or relevance.
2. Click on a paper in your map to see its citation details and related papers.
3. Regularly update your map by clicking the "Refresh" button to include new papers and citations.
4. Set up alerts for your topic by going to the "Alerts" section and clicking "Create Alert." This will notify you of new papers in your field.

Pro tip

When creating your first map, focus on a specific niche within your field. This will help you discover more relevant papers and establish connections more easily, rather than trying to map a broad topic.

Common mistake to avoid

Many users forget to adjust the filters when searching for papers, leading to overwhelming results. Always set your filters to refine your search for more relevant literature.