The ecosystem map is a useful tool both during research and in the design of a new service. It is used to understand the connexions between the different actors involved in the process. By organizing people and organizations, it is possible to indicate which of them are closer or further away from your target. They closer they are to the nucleus, the more influence they have.

Mapping activities are fundamental in order to understand the context, the relationships and the internal dynamics of the project. The ecosystem map is dynamic; if over time the mapping is repeated it is not unusual to see a change in the position and attitude of the various actors or the addition of new ones.