IAN Symbol Libraries
The IAN symbol libraries contain over 1500 custom made vector symbols 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 54103 users in 237 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.
Overview
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:
Also available from the resources page:
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IAN Symbol Libraries by Integration and Application Network, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.
Download
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 link for your chosen version below.
There are many different versions of the symbols libraries - to find out more about which version is best for you, please read the documentation.
Windows Full Version 5.1.1 Automatic Installer in AI format (.exe)
ian_symbols_5_1_1_full.exe (33078.5 KB)
RECOMMENDED: Complete automatic installation package (.exe) for the IAN Symbol Libraries 5.1.1 for Windows PCs. Requires Adobe Illustrator 10 or CS. Includes all the symbol libraries, the symbol index and interactive tutorials.
Windows Symbols Only Version 5.1.1 Automatic Installer in AI format (.exe)
ian_symbols_5_1_1_so.exe (24045.9 KB)
Symbols only automatic installation package (.exe) for the IAN Symbol Libraries 5.1.1 for Windows PCs. Requires Adobe Illustrator 10 or CS. Includes all the symbol libraries.
Full Version 5.1 in AI format (.zip archive)
ian_symbols_5_1_full.zip (32206.8 KB)
Complete manual installation package (.zip archive) for the IAN Symbol Libraries 5.1. Requires Adobe Illustrator 10 or CS. Includes all the symbol libraries, the symbol index and interactive tutorials.
Symbols Only Version 5.1 in AI format (.zip archive)
ian_symbols_5_1_so.zip (23165.7 KB)
Symbols only manual installation package (.zip archive) for the IAN Symbol Libraries 5.1. Requires Adobe Illustrator 10 or CS. Includes all the symbol libraries.
Symbols Only 5.1 EPS format (.zip Archive)
ian_symbols_eps_5_1.zip (74777.4 KB)
This EPS version (5.1) in a zip archive is for users with previous versions of Illustrator or any other vector illustration package which supports the eps format. Please note that although this version includes all the symbols contained in the normal version, they cannot be accessed through the symbol libraries interface, thereby reducing convenience, but not the ultimate functionality of the symbols.
Symbols Only 5.1 SVG format (.zip Archive)
ian_symbols_svg_5_1.zip (41899 KB)
This SVG version (5.1) in a zip archive is for users with previous versions of Illustrator or any other vector illustration package which supports the svg format. Please note that although this version includes all the symbols contained in the normal version, they cannot be accessed through the symbol libraries interface, thereby reducing convenience, but not the ultimate functionality of the symbols.
Symbol Libraries Index (Vector / Print Quality)
symbol_index_vector_print.pdf (31607 KB)
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL DOWNLOAD: This version of the IAN Symbol Libraries Index is vector based, print quality and searchable (by symbol name). NB. The version included in the full installation packages is a screen quality raster (bitmap) version. If you download this vector version, you can overwrite the old version, making the new one accessible via the IAN Symbol Libraries Program Group. Once downloaded, copy the PDF to C:\Program Files\IAN Symbol Libraries\Documentation.
Documentation
CURRENT VERSION
Version: 5.1
Release Date: 21st March 2005
Please see the What's New page for further details.
DOWNLOADING AND INSTALLING THE LIBRARIES
There are several options for the download of the IAN Symbol Libraries.
We have two self installing packages and four .zip archives. The self installing versions are PC/Windows only. Mac users will need to use the .zip versions and install manually.
- Full Version Automatic Installer in AI format (.exe) (recommended)
- includes all the symbol libraries, the symbol index and interactive tutorials - Symbols Only Version Automatic Installer in AI format (.exe)
- includes all the symbol libraries - Full Version in AI format (.zip archive)
- includes all the symbol libraries, the symbol index and interactive tutorials
- requires manual installation - Symbols Only Version in AI format (.zip archive)
- includes all the symbol libraries
- requires manual installation - Symbols Only EPS format (.zip Archive)
- for use with Illustrator 9 or less, or other vector illustration software
- includes all the symbol libraries
- requires manual installation
- does not have symbol palette functionality within Illustrator - Symbols Only SVG format (.zip Archive)
- for use with Illustrator 9 or less, or other vector illustration software
- includes all the symbol libraries
- requires manual installation
- does not have symbol palette functionality within Illustrator
PLEASE NOTE: Although the eps and svg versions include all the symbols contained in the normal version, they cannot be accessed through the symbol libraries interface, thereby reducing convenience, but not the ultimate functionality of the symbols.
Exe versions
Once downloaded, simply run the installation .exe file and it will automatically backup any previous versions of the IAN Symbol Libraries, and install the new libraries to your Illustrator Presets/Symbols folder. It will also create an IAN Symbol Libraries program group (available from your START/Programs Menu) containing links to the User Guide, Symbol Index and Interactive Tutorial. Users with non-English versions of Illustrator must be sure to correctly choose their equivalent 'Presets' directory and specify the names of the 'Symbols' and 'Swatches' folders during installation.
If a previous version of the symbol libraries was installed on your computer, the Windows setup wizard will prompt you to make a backup of the old libraries to the ‘C:\Program Files\IAN Symbol Libraries\Old Libraries Backup’ folder. These backup libraries can be opened in Illustrator to access any symbols you added to the libraries.
Zip versions
AI format
These two .zip packages contain the libraries in AI format, exactly the same as those included in the .exe automatic installations. However, you must manually extract the contents of the 'Symbols' and 'Swatches' folders to your Illustrator Presets/Symbols folder (C:\Program Files\Adobe\Illustrator X\Presets\Symbols) and Presets/Swatches folder (C:\Program Files\Adobe\Illustrator X\Presets\Swatches), respectively. Mac users will need to find the same directories under their Applications folder. Note that since CS4, there is now an additional language folder inside the Presets folder. The other files are the symbol index, the tutorial and documentation, and can be extracted anywhere on your computer.
EPS & SVG format
The Symbols Only EPS & SVG version .zip archives contain all the libraries as .eps or .svg files. These versions can be stored anywhere, as they do not function as Illustrator Symbol Libraries. You simply open up each library file to access the symbols in that library.
ACCESSING THE LIBRARIES
The symbol libraries can be accessed through Illustrator's 'Window' menu and the 'Swatches' and 'Symbols' sub-menus at the bottom of the list.
For further information on using the symbol libraries, please see the interactive multimedia tutorial available through the Window’s Start Menu/Programs/IAN Symbol Libraries. The tutorial should have automatically commenced if you agreed to view it at the end of the Windows setup process.
Please note: If you are using the eps version of the libraries, there is no symbol library interface. You simply open each library file directly in your vector illustratration software.
SYMBOL LIBRARIES INDEX
We have created a graphical index of all available symbols (‘Symbol Libraries Index’) in PDF format. It is available in the IAN Symbol Libraries START Menu group for Windows users who downloaded the full installation package. For users who downloaded the full .zip archive, the index is included in the archive and can be extracted wherever you wish. This is an excellent reference for viewing all symbols. This index is also available from the resources page. Please note that this version is raster (bitmap) based and is screen quality (4MB). We also have a vector based print quality and searchable (by symbol name) version (30MB) available as a separate download from the downloads page. If you download the vector version, you can overwrite the old version, making the new one accessible via the IAN Symbol Libraries Program Group. Once downloaded, copy the PDF to C:\Program Files\IAN Symbol Libraries\Documentation.
DISCUSSION FORUM
Our discussion forum is an excellent resource for asking questions on the use and creation of symbols for Illustrator as well as the construction of conceptual diagrams for enhancing science communication.
ILLUSTRATOR SYMBOL LIBRARY TUTORIALS
This interactive tutorial takes you through the process of using the IAN Symbol Libraries with Adobe Illustrator, including a step-by-step guide to creating a conceptual diagram. It will be installed on your computer when you download the symbol libraries (Windows users). It can be accessed through the Window’s Start Menu/Programs/IAN Symbol Libraries. It is included in the full .zip version and can be extracted wherever you wish. You can also view it directly from the resources page.
SYMBOL CREATION SERVICE
Need a symbol we don't already have? Photos and descriptions of objects can be posted on our Symbol Creation Service Forum and we will create a symbol which will be posted back to the forum and also incorporated into the IAN Symbol Libraries in future updates. All requestors of symbols will receive credit for their contributions.
SYMBOL CONTRIBUTIONS FORUM
We would also like to accept your contributions to the IAN Symbol Libraries. If you’ve made any symbols you’d like to contribute, please visit our Symbol Contributions Forum and share them with forum users. They will also be included in the next version of the libraries. You will of course receive credit for your contributions.
Resources
Resources, Tools & Tutorials
Conceptual Diagrams for Science Communication
This webpage highlights the use of conceptual diagrams in effective science communication.
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 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).
Tools for effective science communication
Bill Dennison and Tim Carruthers
Bill Dennison and Tim Carruthers presented a Webinar on tools for science communication for the Ecosystem Based Management Tools Network. Bill was also presenting to a live audience at the State of the Hudson River Watershed Conference in Hyde Park, NY. The web audience included participants from 23 US states and 12 countries, and was followed by a lively discussion on methods and approaches to science communication.
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.
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).
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.
Contribute
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!
Help
If you are having problems with the libraries, please search our discussion forum and if you can't find a solution, post a new topic and we'll do our best to help.
We'd also love to hear any suggestions you might have for us.
About
Acknowledgements:
The IAN Symbol Libraries have been developed by the Integration and Application Network, but we would also like to acknowledge symbols contributed by some of our users: Jessie Burton, Chip Chenery, Catherine Collier, Coastal CRC Australia, Giuseppe di Carlo, Lloyd Godson, Healthy Waterways Campaign Australia, Ian Hewson, Karen Holloway, Diana Kleine, Marine Botany Group UQ Australia, Moreton Bay Waterways and Catchments Partnership, Kate Moore, Raymond Miriam, Brian Timms, Jane Thomas, Dieter Tracey, Andrew Watkinson
We would also like to thank the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, which has helped to fund development of the IAN Symbol Libraries, and the Marine Botany Group at The University of Queensland, and the Healthy Waterways Campaign, Australia who pioneered many of the symbols.
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Publications / Programs Featuring the IAN Symbol Libraries
The Adobe Illustrator CS Wow! Book, 2006
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Reports, May/June 2005
DT&G E-zine, April 2005
Digital Creative Arts Special Edition, March 2005
Conceptual Diagrams Poster at Riversymposium, August 2004
MacDesign Magazine, July/August 2004
Flotsam and Jetsam: Coastal CRC newsletter, July 2004
Where River Meets Sea: Exploring Australia’s Estuaries Book, June 2004
Illustrator CS Killer Tips 1st Ed., May 2004
Avenza MAPublisher v6.0, April 2004
Creative Suite for Dummies, March 2004
IAN Conceptual Diagrams Newsletter, August 2003
Copyright:
The symbols in the IAN Symbol Libraries are available completely free for anyone to use for any purpose, but the Integration and Application Network retains full copyright and you must not redistribute the complete package. Please refer people to our website (http://ian.umces.edu/symbols) where they can always download the latest version. Thank you!
Please acknowledge as: Symbols for diagrams courtesy of the Integration and Application Network (ian.umces.edu/symbols), University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.
IAN Symbol Libraries by Integration and Application Network, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.