The keyword "maps" functions as two distinct parts of speech: a plural noun and a third-person singular verb. The determination of its grammatical role is essential, as it dictates whether the article's focus is on the tangible objects of representation or the abstract process of establishing correspondence.
As a plural noun, "maps" refers to cartographic or schematic representations that illustrate the relationships between elements of a space, such as geographical areas, celestial bodies, or conceptual domains. In this context, the analysis would concern the history, design, symbology, and use of these artifacts. As a third-person singular verb, "maps" describes the action of creating a map or, more broadly, establishing a direct, systematic relationship between two sets of data or concepts. For example, in computer science, a function "maps" input values to output values; in neuroscience, a researcher "maps" cognitive functions to specific brain regions.
Therefore, defining the part of speech is the foundational step for the article's thesis. If "maps" is treated as a noun, the resulting analysis will center on the products of cartography and data visualization. If it is treated as a verb, the analysis will explore the processes, algorithms, and cognitive acts of association and representation. This choice fundamentally shapes the article's scope, methodology, and theoretical framework.
