NOTE: THIS PROJECT IS IN DEVELOPMENT
Help - How do I use the software application?
The first time you visit the application page you will want to click on "New File" this will start an xml that will be stored in the temporary memory of the software program (similar to when you start a new word document). The next step is to add your data. At first you will need to rely on your memory (which probably won't be entirely perfect or complete) -- what entities (companies, organizations, agencies or individuals) have you provided information about yourself to? This could be websites where you have provided information to access a chat feature, to receive a newsletter, to access a listserve, etc. or it might be a department store you visited and paid for your merchandise with anything other than cash. As you think of each entity click on the "add entity" button. In this window provide the name of the entity, and click each type of information you have provided to that entity (see "What do the named color codes mean?" for clarification on the provided categories) and then click the "submit" button. If you have more entities to add click "add another entity," if you are finished click "view entities." Once you click view entities you will be presented with a graphic representation of the distribution of your information. You can zoom in or out, or scroll left, right, up or down using the navigational device on the top right of the application window. You can also move the entities around by clicking and dragging that entity around. You can sort the entities by information type using the Color Codes panel at the bottom right of the software window. To view the information in a chart format click "Table View." In table view you can also edit any of the information you have provided that is associated with the entity by clicking on the entity name. The window that pops up is analogous to the "add entity" window you saw earlier. Clicking "save file" will allow you to save the xml file to your desktop for future use (next time you visit use the "load file" button instead of the "new file" button to get started). You can also print the graphic rendition using the "print graphic" button.
As you provide information to additional entities, load the file you have saved and add to it. If you keep up with this, like you would a check register, you should have an accurate record of what information you have dispensed and to whom.
Help - What do the named color codes mean?
The named color codes are used to categorize and visualize the different types of information you distribute to various entities in return for goods, services or information.
Virtual ID - email, screenname, homepage
Contact Info - phone number, address
Census - race/ethnicity, income level, age range, zipcode, education level, etc.
Monetary ($) Transaction - credit card number
Government ID - any time you show your license or passport or give out your Social Security Number; providing these forms of identity often give the receiver access to additional information about you
Professional - employment history, work contact information, awards, education
Monetary Standing - credit reports, credit history (often applies if you have applied for a loan or apartment)
Taste/Preference - you may not knowingly provide this. If you have an account on a website that "recommends" things to you, they are tracking your purchases and things you "like." You also may provide this by filling out a survey.
Intellectual Property - you have provided artwork, photos, writing/literature, inventions, videos -- things that can have a copyright or patent
Genealogical - information about relatives; mother's maiden name, for example.
Location - access to items with GPS (ex. cell phone companies), RFID chips (recent passports), IP Address (may indicate general region)
Biological - fingerprints, blood, urine samples, x-rays, etc.
Help - What are some Software Tricks/ shortcuts?
1. In Graphic View hold down the "shift" key while clicking and dragging to move the whole map at once rather than individual entities.
2. In Chart View hold down the "alt" key while clicking on an entity to view/find that entity graphically.
Help - Where does the information I enter into the software go?
By using the online software program you are individually "served" a unique temporary copy of the software. As you add entities to the software they are stored in the temporary memory of the software. Your information is only saved if you click the save button and save an XML file to your computer. The software program only has access to that file if you load the file. Any data that is in the temporary memory of the software is lost when you close the browser tab/window (only information that you save to a file on your computer is saved -- and it is only saved on your computer). This site does not use cookies of Local Flash Shared Objects.