A conceptual representation of the NSFNET, courtesy of the NCSA's net visualization project.	In this chapter, K and vL offer a grammar for the distribution of elements, be they visual or textual, in a structured presentation, ie. visual art, advertising, print media or the scribblings of a child. The following is a synopsis of K and vL's conceptual framework for the arrangement of elements in these media.

1. Classificational Processes 1a. Overt and Covert Taxonomies How about this ad spoof from Adbusters as a covert taxonomy?

In an overt taxonomy, the classificational processes of the presentation are readily shown. This means that elements in, say, a magazine ad, are arranged in such a way that they reveal the connections between and among superordinate and subordinate elements. Meanwhile, in a covert taxonomy, as one might expect, the links that bind the visual elements together aren't as apparent or explicit. Here, the visible tree structure is abandoned for the symmetrical orientation of page elements. While explicit connections between elements are absent, implicit ones remain. Subordinate elements are arranged equidistantly, they are often equal in size, and they are oriented towards the same vertical and horizontal axes.

1b. Taxonomic Models
A sitemap of Apple's old website demonstrates the overt taxonomy.	K and vL describe three main types of taxonomic processes that may be presented as covert or overt. The first is a simple taxonomy with an obvious hierarchical structure. As in the example from Apple Computer, connections flow from the superordinate element down to the subordinates.
The flowchart model. This one offers guidance on overclocking a processor.	In the flowchart model, elements flow from one to another via a linking of transitive verbs. Causality for each element is dependent on a specific action.
Here's a great example of a network taxonomy. This is a screenshot from Inventix' Internet Cartographer.	Finally, the non-linear network model provides a figure for a system of interconnectedness without the hierarchical structure of the classical taxonomy or the cause and effect system of the flowchart. More discussion of the network model and its relationship to early theories about the structure of the World Wide Web can be found here.

2. Analytical Processes

2a. The Carrier and Possessive Attributes

K and vL assert that analytical processes are at work when elements are related in terms of a part-whole structure consisting of a carrier and any number of possessive attributes. As in this picture, the whole of the image (read carrier) is dependent upon an array of supporting elements (read possessive attributes).

2b. Unstructured Analytical Processes

In this case, an unordered set of possessive attributes can be viewed as parts of a latent or undefined carrier element. This example illustrates such a structure. To experience this process, go to the Lego website and consider this example. (Choose either vehicle).

2c. Temporal Analytical Processes

Here, a set of possessive attributes is arranged along a timeline and can be perceived as occurring in a sequence. This timeline or "temporally unfolding" structure can be oriented horizontally or vertically.

2d. Exhaustive Analytical Processes

In this model, the carrier is comprised of a number of parts. In this case, the possessive attributes, when viewed as a whole, form the structure of the carrier.

2e. Topographical Analytical Processes vs. Topological Analytical Processes

Before describing the difference between topographical and topological processes, K and vL further distinguish two types of topographical structures. In a topographical model that carries dimensional accuracy, one finds that the carrier and possessive attributes are drawn to scale. Meanwhile, in a topographical process that displays quantitative accuracy, there is an adherence to a precision in the display of numerical quantities.

To understand the difference between topological and topographical structures, one need only consider the difference between a network diagram, which accurately describes the connectedness of a given set of elements, and a geographic map, which accurately represents the scale of a given area and the attributes contained within that area. While topographical processes are true to a vision of an existing physical edifice, topological processes concern themselves exclusively with describing the links between a set of elements, be they artificial or "real."

3. Symbolic Processes

3a. Attributive Symbolic Processes

In this model, viewers are made aware of what an element means or is based on the inclusion of objects that imply symbolic import. Such objects are referred to as "symbolic attributes" by K and vL. In attributive symbolic processes, all symbolic attributes are made readily available, or salient, in the composition.

3b. Suggestive Symbolic Processes

K and vL argue that suggestive symbolic processes are devoid of salient or overt symbolic attributes. Instead, they argue, the symbolic process occurs by way of the suggestion of the significance of the elements that surround the carrier. This means that a carrier may be illuminated or posed in such a way as to provide a symbolic charge.