LinkedIN has developed a fun tool called LinkedIN Maps.  It pulls in data from your profile and allows you to view and tag a visual representation of your own network.  Here’s an image of my network.

Using data on shared connections and companies, the map groups these connections into clusters, which are colour coded. The larger dots (or names in larger fonts) indicate people with more connections. The user can also zoom in to see a single name, which if clicked on, highlights that person’s connections.

While it is creates a cool visual, and it’s fun to see the inter-connections among my friends and contacts (six degrees anyone?), I’m uncertain about it’s ongoing usefulness.  But then again I’m not a data scientist.  LinkedIN’s Chief Scientist, DJ Patil is, so I’ll let him explain it:

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC99Nw2JX8w

If we’re not already connected on LinkedIN, please send me an invite.