Creating blueprint maps

Blueprint maps are used to group dimensions to create precise curriculum coordinates for item tagging. They also control the presentation and behaviour of dimensions where they are used to classify items.

If you want to use a dimension for item tagging it must be housed within a blueprint map (even if only one dimension). Blueprint maps are not necessary for dimensions related to candidates, examiners, users, resources or exam blueprints.

Blueprint maps are version controlled in the same way as items and item sets. For details on updating blueprint dimensions and maps, please this article.   

Creating blueprint maps

To create a blueprint map:

• Step 1 of 8

  Navigate to Blueprints > Edit master blueprint.

  

• Step 2 of 8

  Then click Add map.

  

• Step 3 of 8

  Give the map a title and click Create.

  

  When applied to items, blueprint maps will be grouped by mandatory dimension status and displayed in alphanumeric order. Any bespoke ordering should be considered when naming the map (for example, prefixing with a number).

• Step 4 of 8

  The map now becomes available under the Maps section of the master blueprint page and in a DRAFT state.

  

  The next step is to add the dimension(s) we would like to appear in our blueprint map. To do so click Edit map.

• Step 5 of 8

  Select the dimensions you would like to add to the map and then Add to map.

  

  In this example we will add the Clinical discipline and Competency dimensions to create a 2-dimensional blueprint map. This could, however, be a single dimension as discussed here.

  The list of available dimensions consists of any dimensions currently in the Unassigned dimensions list. A dimension can only be added to one blueprint map. If you cannot see the dimension you are expecting, please check that it has not already been added to a map.

• Step 6 of 8

  Once the dimensions have been added the map needs to go through the standard review and approval process in the same way as items do.

  

  Click to Submit for review and then Approve.

  Depending on the site permissions set by your organisation, the ability to approve changes may be subject to controls. If options are not available, please check with your site administrator.  

• Step 7 of 8

  Once approved, click the Back to blueprint maps link to go back to the master blueprint page.

  

• Step 8 of 8

  The blueprint map is now displayed in the list in an APPROVED state, and will appear on the Blueprinting tab in items.

  

Blueprint maps behaviours on items

Depending on whether a map has been set up with a single dimension or with several, the display and behaviour will be different during the item tagging process.

• Where a single dimension blueprint map is used, the author need only select one value in order to proceed.

  

  Several tags can be freely applied within in the same dimension as appropriate.

  

• Where a multidimensional blueprint map is used, the author must select values for all dimensions in order to proceed.

  

  If more than one tag is used in either dimension, the other dimension in the map must also be assigned a value.

  

Learn more about the use of single and multidimensional blueprint maps here.