Conceptual Diagram Symbol Libraries

The IAN symbol libraries contain over 1500 custom made vector symbols (in 32 categories) designed specifically for enhancing science communication skills. The libraries are designed primarily for use with Adobe Illustrator (requires version 10 or better), however we also offer eps and svg versions for non-Illustrator users. The symbols allow diagrammatic representations of complex processes to be developed easily with minimal graphical skills.

Our aim is to make them a standard resource for scientists, resource managers, community groups and environmentalists worldwide. Currently downloaded by 45157 users in 232 countries and 50 U.S. states.

The libraries are provided completely cost and royalty free. Please acknowledge as: Symbols courtesy of the Integration and Application Network (ian.umces.edu/symbols/), University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Please note: This acknowledgement is not compulsory, but greatly appreciated!

Please visit our help forum for technical help and to discuss your conceptual diagrams.

What's New

User Guide

Help Forum

The current version (5.1) of the IAN Symbol Libraries contains over 1500 vector symbols in 32 libraries (Illustrator symbol palettes).

Included in the FREE download are:

32 self-installing symbol libraries
1500+ science/ecology symbols
100+ custom swatches
Ecosystem landscape diagrams
Interactive multimedia tutorial
PDF index of all symbols

Also available for FREE:

User Guide
EPS & SVG versions for
non-Illustrator users
Symbol creation service
Symbol contributions forum
Discussion forum
Instructional movie (quicktime)
Example publications

Download Symbols

If you have never registered for the IAN Symbol Libraries, you must use the 'New User Registration' link first. Once you are registered, click the 'Download (Registered Users)' link to access the downloads.

New User Registration

Download (Registered Users)

Manage Registration

Contribute to the IAN Symbol Libraries

If you have found the IAN Symbol Libraries to be useful, please consider giving something back. Mostly we would like help to build the libraries by symbol contributions from our users. There are two ways you can do this:

Submit a new symbol through our Symbol Contributions Forum
Browse through our Symbol Creation Service Forum and take the time to create a symbol that someone has requested.

All those who contribute will be named in the documentation with all future releases of the libraries.

Thanks for your support!

Resources, Tools & Tutorials
	Conceptual Diagrams for Science Communication This webpage highlights the use of conceptual diagrams in effective science communication. It includes examples of effective and ineffective diagrams to help you create good diagrams.

	Online Conceptual Diagram Creator This online tool demonstrates just how easy it is to make conceptual diagrams using 'Drag & Drop' features which are available with the IAN Symbol Libraries and Adobe Illustrator. Please note that this tool is for demonstration purposes only. It has very limited functionality compared with Adobe Illustrator and the downloaded IAN Symbol Libraries.

	IAN Symbol Libraries Adobe Illustrator: Interactive Multimedia Tutorial This detailed Macromedia Flash tutorial takes the user through the complete construction of a conceptual diagram using the IAN Symbol Libraries and Adobe Illustrator. The interactive nature of this tutorial means that users actually click through all the processes required as if they were using Illustrator. This tutorial is installed on the users computer when they download the IAN Symbol Libraries or is available by clicking on the flash icon opposite (takes approximately 10 mins to complete).

	IAN Symbol Libraries Index This PDF contains thumbnails of all the IAN Symbols split across the 32 libraries. This document is installed on the user's computer when they download the IAN Symbol Libraries or is available by clicking on the pdf icon opposite.

	Symbol Creation Service Need a symbol we don't already have? Please visit our discussion forum to make requests. Photos or drawings and descriptions of objects should be attached to your message and we will create a symbol which will be posted back on the forum. They will also be incorporated into the Symbol Libraries in future updates. Please note, this is a completely free service designed to produce universally applicable symbols to enhance science communication. Please consider this when making requests.

	Symbol Contributions Forum Want to contribute to the IAN Symbol Libraries? Upload your Illustrator symbols to our discussion forum for others to download. They will also be included in the next update of the symbol libraries. You will be given credit as a contributor to the libraries in the documentation.

	Discussion Forum The IAN Conceptual Diagram Symbol Libraries Discussion Forum has four boards for obtaining technical assistance, making Symbol Creation Service requests, contributing symbols to the libraries, and posting diagrams for review (good conceptual diagrams take many iterations with feedback and input from many people).

	Conceptual Diagrams: A tool for science communication Includes an Introduction to the use of conceptual diagrams and a tutorial for using the IAN Symbol Libraries with Adobe Illustrator. Click quicktime icon to play or right click here and 'save target as' to download (12.2MB) Requires Quicktime 6 (free download from www.quicktime.com)

	Conceptual Diagrams: A tool for science communication This 73 slide presentation describes the use of conceptual diagrams as science communications tools in presentations, science newsletters, books and peer reviewed journal articles. It provides historical and recent examples of good conceptual diagrams, as well as the ten commandments for conceptual diagrams. A mini tutorial is included to guide you through the process of making a conceptual diagram in Illustrator and PowerPoint, as well as how to make new symbols.
Example Publications
	Conceptual diagrams: tools for science communication This poster details the use of conceptual diagrams in effective science communication. It was presented at the International Riversymposium 2004 in Brisbane, Australia. Effective scientific communication requires synthesis, visualization and appropriate context. Conceptual diagrams, or ‘thought drawings’, are an excellent means of providing these requirements. A conceptual diagram uses symbols to convey the essential attributes of a system.

	Conceptual Diagrams: Tools for Science Communication This newsletter details the use of symbol as a visual language. Symbols are useful for depicting unequivocal messages that transcend cultures, languages and times. The use of symbols to construct conceptual diagrams ('thought drawings') can be an effective tool for science communication and problem solving. Conceptual diagrams help to clarify thinking and provide a communication interface between scientists and non-scientists. Conceptual diagrams can be used in a variety of publications including presentations, posters, science communication publications and peer reviewed scientific papers (color or b&w).

	Seagrass habitats of north eastern Australia: models of key processes and controls. Carruthers T.J.B., Dennison W.C., Longstaff B.J,. Waycott M., Abal E.G., McKenzie L.J., Long W.J.L. (2002) Bulletin of Marine Science 71(3): 1153–1169. This paper details the extensive and diverse assemblage of seagrass habitats that exist along the tropical and subtropical coastline of north east Australia and the associated Great Barrier Reef. Throughout the paper conceptual diagrams (using the IAN Symbol Libraries) are used to detail the natural and anthropogenic processes controlling seagrass distribution.

	State of the Maryland Coastal Bays 2004 Wazniak, C., M. Hall, C. Cain, D.Wilson, R. Jesien, J.Thomas,T. Carruthers, and W. Dennison This report summarizes monitoring data collected over the past several years for water quality, aquatic living resources, and habitat categories. It utilizes conceptual diagrams for each reporting region to highlight the key ecosystem processes, biota and estuarine health problems.

	Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan) First Annual Marine Monitoring Programme Report September 2005 This report details the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan). The goal of the Reef Plan is to halt and reverse the decline in water quality entering the Reef within 10 years. Through the Reef Plan, governments are acting on the potential risk to the Great Barrier Reef from the progressive decline in water quality in waterways entering the Reef, with a focus on diffuse sources of pollutants. The report makes excellent use of conceptual diagrams (using symbols from the IAN symbol libraries) to communicate the overview, components, and implementation of the plan.

	Where river meets sea: exploring Australia's estuaries Turner, L., D. Tracey, J. Tilden, W.C. Dennison This 288-page book utilizes conceptual diagrams (including symbols from the IAN symbol libraries) to describe the health, geography, science, management and ecological functions of Australia's 974 estuaries. Chapters on natural history, coastal science and management give an understanding of our vast network of pristine and heavily modified estuaries - from isolated tide-dominated estuaries in Australia's tropical north to those shaped by waves in southern, temperate waters.
	Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef: A Vulnerability Assessment Johanna E Johnson and Paul A Marshall (Eds.) Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef: A Vulnerability Assessment is a peer-reviewed publication compiled as a collaboration between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and over 80 leading climate and tropical marine experts. It provides expert assessments of the vulnerability of Great Barrier Reef species, habitats and key processes to climate change and identifies possible ways to respond to the climate change challenge. Managers and scientists will find this book valuable as a basis on which future decisions can be made, as well as anyone with an interest in tropical marine ecosystems.