# VOSviewer Online

> software tool for network visualization

**Wikidata**: [Q109186232](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109186232)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vosviewer-online

## Summary
VOSviewer Online is a software tool designed for network visualization, primarily utilized in the fields of bibliometrics and scientometrics. Developed by Nees Jan van Eck and Ludo Waltman, it provides a web-based platform for analyzing and visualizing academic and scientific data. The tool is accessible via a web browser and is licensed under the MIT License.

## Key Facts
- **Developers:** Nees Jan van Eck and Ludo Waltman.
- **Primary Use:** Bibliometrics, scientometrics, and network analysis.
- **License:** MIT License.
- **Website:** https://app.vosviewer.com
- **Source Code Repository:** https://github.com/neesjanvaneck/VOSviewer-Online
- **Initial Release:** Version 1.0.0 was released on July 16, 2021.
- **Latest Stable Version:** Version 1.2.4, released on June 26, 2024.
- **Software Class:** It is a non-tangible executable component of a computer (Software).
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted.
- **Main Subject:** VOSviewer, network analysis, and visualization.

## FAQs
### Q: What is VOSviewer Online used for?
A: VOSviewer Online is used for network visualization, specifically facilitating the statistical analysis of written publications (bibliometrics) and the measurement of science and technology (scientometrics).

### Q: Who created VOSviewer Online?
A: The software was developed by researchers Nees Jan van Eck and Ludo Waltman.

### Q: Is VOSviewer Online free to use?
A: Yes, the software is released under the MIT License, which is a permissive free software license.

### Q: When was the first version of VOSviewer Online released?
A: The first version, 1.0.0, was published on July 16, 2021.

## Why It Matters
VOSviewer Online represents a significant step in making science mapping and network analysis more accessible. By offering a web-based version of the established VOSviewer methodology, it lowers the barrier to entry for researchers and students who need to perform bibliometric analysis without installing desktop software. This tool plays a crucial role in the scientometric community by allowing users to visualize complex relationships between publications, authors, or keywords directly in a browser. Its continued development—evidenced by regular updates through 2024—highlights its active role in supporting the analysis of scientific literature and innovation.

## Notable For
- **Web-Based Accessibility:** Unlike traditional desktop counterparts, it runs directly in a web browser.
- **Foundational Creators:** Developed by prominent figures in the scientometrics field, Nees Jan van Eck and Ludo Waltman.
- **Open Source:** It is available under the permissive MIT License, allowing for broad usage and modification.
- **Rapid Iteration:** The tool has seen frequent updates, evolving from version 1.0.0 in mid-2021 to version 1.2.4 in mid-2024.
- **Specialized Utility:** It is distinctively tailored for the statistical analysis of written publications and the measurement of innovation.

## Body

### Overview
VOSviewer Online is a software tool classified as a "non-tangible executable component of a computer." Its primary function is network visualization, serving as a key instrument in the domains of bibliometrics and scientometrics. The platform is copyrighted and accessible primarily in English.

### Usage and Application
The software is designed to support specific analytical tasks:
- **Bibliometrics:** Facilitating the statistical analysis of books, articles, and other publications.
- **Scientometrics:** Enabling the study of measuring and analyzing science, technology, and innovation.
- **Network Analysis:** Allowing users to visualize and interpret complex data networks.

### Development History
The development of VOSviewer Online is marked by a steady release schedule managed by its creators, Nees Jan van Eck and Ludo Waltman.

- **2021:** The project launched with version **1.0.0** on July 16, followed immediately by a patch, **1.0.1**, on July 17.
- **2022:** A minor feature update, **1.1.0**, was released on January 4. Subsequent updates included version **1.2.0** on October 25 and **1.2.1** on December 16.
- **2024:** The software received further stability updates with version **1.2.2** on January 22, version **1.2.3** on March 16, and the current preferred stable version, **1.2.4**, on June 26.

### Technical Platform
VOSviewer Online is hosted on the GitHub platform under the repository `neesjanvaneck/VOSviewer-Online`. It is distinct from, but related to, the main VOSviewer software, focusing on "online" or web-based interaction. The official interface is accessible at `app.vosviewer.com`.

## References

1. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/neesjanvaneck/VOSviewer-Online)
2. [Release 1.0.0. 2021](https://github.com/neesjanvaneck/VOSviewer-Online/releases/tag/1.0.0)
3. [Release 1.0.1. 2021](https://github.com/neesjanvaneck/VOSviewer-Online/releases/tag/1.0.1)
4. [Release 1.1.0. 2022](https://github.com/neesjanvaneck/VOSviewer-Online/releases/tag/1.1.0)
5. [Release 1.2.0. 2022](https://github.com/neesjanvaneck/VOSviewer-Online/releases/tag/1.2.0)
6. [Release 1.2.1. 2022](https://github.com/neesjanvaneck/VOSviewer-Online/releases/tag/1.2.1)
7. [Release 1.2.2. 2024](https://github.com/neesjanvaneck/VOSviewer-Online/releases/tag/1.2.2)
8. [Release 1.2.3. 2024](https://github.com/neesjanvaneck/VOSviewer-Online/releases/tag/1.2.3)
9. [Release 1.2.4. 2024](https://github.com/neesjanvaneck/VOSviewer-Online/releases/tag/1.2.4)