Organizational Development for Knowledge Management at Water ...

Picture Map
A map used for clarifying a process.
Supports: knowledge sharing, learning
LEVEL OF EFFORT
SIZE OF UTILITY
SCOPE OF WORK
LOW
SCALABLE
NARROW
The picture map includes pictures and words to map a specific process or procedure.
Working visually allows us to see the ongoing productions that are multi-dimensional and
sometimes chaotic. Pictures present a step-by-step guide explaining performances and skills
that cannot be easily reduced to words. The visual technique of pictures used by ―how to‖
instructional plans, (such as assembling a bicycle or replacing a printer cartridge) help us to
memorize content and easily repeat operative procedures. For example, creating a database of
work procedures, instructions and training manuals with accompanying ―picture maps‖ provide a
mechanism for effectively capturing and sharing knowledge across the utility.
In Project Study #23, Louisville Water Company (LWC) uses a picture map to show the
water flow from the Ohio River to the utilities 25 million gallon Clearwell. LWC describes its
picture map in this manner:
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