International Systems Institute Systems Thinking Education

Although a systems model could be expressed in text, it is often depicted graphically. Below are some tools that are available for drawing systems models.

Prices shown are approximate and for you reference in reviewing the options. ISI does not sell these products, although for your convenience you can link to where you can buy them.

Concept Mapping Tools

These tools were designed for concept maps but can also draw good network diagrams and causal loop diagrams.

CMapTools	FREE
Easy to use Limited to basic shapes and lines between them Lines can be named and have different curves Can export common graphic files to paste into other programs	CMAP Chart

Inspiration 8.0 CD-ROM [VISTA & OSX] Website: http://www.inspiration.com (Download Version Available)	$69
Easy to use Allows labeling of lines and using different line shapes Large number of other graphics and icons that can be inserted to make models more interesting Can export common graphic files to paste into other programs

Drawing Tools

The following products are drawing or presenting packages. They offer a more complete set of drawing features and can make not only causal loop diagrams and concept maps, but also things like functional drawings, organizational drawings, flow charts.

Microsoft Visio Professional 2007	$430
A full drawing package that can do landscapes, flow charts, mindmaps, home drawings, electrical drawings, etc. Can export common graphic files to paste into other programs

SmartDraw 2009 Website: http://www.smartdraw.com	$212
A full drawing package that can do landscapes, flow charts, mindmaps, home drawings, electrical drawings, etc. Can export common graphic files to paste into other pograms

Microsoft Powerpoint Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007 FULL VERSION [DVD]	$449
A presentation package, but can make some drawings. Can export common graphic files to paste into other pograms

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