# Kohonen neural network
**Wikidata**: [Q4316454](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4316454)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kohonen-neural-network

## Summary
A Kohonen neural network is a type of artificial neural network that functions as a self-organizing map, a machine learning technique primarily used for dimensionality reduction. It was invented by Finnish computer scientist Teuvo Kohonen. The network is classified as a computational model based on connected, hierarchical functions and is also known by names such as the Kohonen layer and vector quantization.

## Key Facts
- **Subclass of:** Artificial neural network (a computational model used in machine learning based on connected, hierarchical functions; sitelink_count: 79).
- **Inventor:** Teuvo Kohonen, a Finnish computer scientist, engineer, and university teacher (born 1934-07-11, died 2021; citizenship: Finland; sitelink_count: 15).
- **Related Technique:** Self-organizing map (a machine learning technique useful for dimensionality reduction; sitelink_count: 22).
- **Aliases:** Сеть Кохонена, Карта данных, Векторное квантование, Слой Кохонена.
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/120_xh98.
- **Wikipedia Presence:** Available in 2 languages (Russian and Ukrainian; sitelink_count: 2).

## FAQs
**What is the relationship between a Kohonen neural network and a self-organizing map?**
A Kohonen neural network is intrinsically linked to the self-organizing map, which is a machine learning technique utilized for dimensionality reduction. The network serves as the computational framework that implements this mapping technique.

**Who invented the Kohonen neural network?**
It was invented by Teuvo Kohonen, a Finnish computer scientist, engineer, and university teacher who lived from 1934 to 2021.

**What are the other names for the Kohonen neural network?**
It is known by several aliases, including Сеть Кохонена (Kohonen network), Карта данных (Data map), Векторное квантование (Vector quantization), and Слой Кохонена (Kohonen layer).

**What parent category does the Kohonen neural network belong to?**
It is a subclass of an artificial neural network, which is a computational model used in machine learning that is based on connected, hierarchical functions.

## Why It Matters
The Kohonen neural network matters because it provides a computational mechanism for self-organizing maps, which are crucial for solving dimensionality reduction problems in machine learning. By transforming complex, high-dimensional data into lower-dimensional representations, it allows for easier visualization and analysis of intricate datasets. As a specialized subclass of artificial neural networks, it embodies the broader utility of connected, hierarchical functions in computing while addressing a specific, highly demanded need in data science to simplify data without losing core structural relationships.

## Notable For
- Being a specialized subclass of artificial neural networks designed specifically for self-organization and dimensionality reduction.
- Serving as the computational foundation for the self-organizing map technique.
- Invention by Teuvo Kohonen, a notable Finnish computer scientist and engineer.
- Holding a distinct Google Knowledge Graph ID (/g/120_xh98).
- Possessing a specific nomenclature in Russian and Ukrainian computing communities, reflected by its aliases and Wikipedia language availability.

## Body

### Classification and Core Function
The Kohonen neural network is formally classified as a subclass of the artificial neural network. Artificial neural networks are computational models utilized in machine learning that operate on the principle of connected, hierarchical functions. Specifically, the Kohonen neural network is related to the self-organizing map, which is a distinct machine learning technique valued for its utility in dimensionality reduction. 

### Invention and Historical Context
The network was invented by Teuvo Kohonen, a prominent Finnish computer scientist. Detailed records identify Kohonen's occupation as a computer scientist, engineer, and university teacher, and note his citizenship as Finland. He was born on July 11, 1934, and died in 2021. The attribution of the invention to Teuvo Kohonen is supported by references documented on May 23, 2022, citing the Russian Wikipedia article on the Kohonen neural network (oldid: 114321951).

### Nomenclature and Aliases
The entity is recognized by multiple aliases, particularly within Eastern European academic and computational contexts. These alternative names include Сеть Кохонена (Kohonen network), Карта данных (Data map), Векторное квантование (Vector quantization), and Слой Кохонена (Kohonen layer). 

### Digital Footprint and Presence
The Kohonen neural network has a verified digital presence, identified by the Google Knowledge Graph ID `/g/120_xh98`. Its Wikipedia footprint is relatively niche, with a sitelink count of 2, corresponding to Wikipedia pages available only in the Russian (ru) and Ukrainian (uk) languages. In contrast, its parent class, the artificial neural network, has a much broader global presence with a sitelink count of 79, and its related technique, the self-organizing map, has a sitelink count of 22.