Map

Not to be confused with MAP strings, a common method of notating non-isotropic cellular automata.

A map is a visual diagram obtained from a pattern, generally an oscillator, which reveals and highlights specific properties of said pattern.

Period map

A period map of an oscillator displays different constituent cells of said oscillator differently, usually in different colors, as to highlight which constituent cells oscillate at certain periods.

Generally,

Support

The first well-known implementation of period maps was by Oscillizer, which allowed for these to be displayed for valid sufficiently-low-period oscillators specifically in Conway's Game of Life.

The Nakano utility, created in response to Oscillizer no longer working, is also capable of producing period maps.

As of December 2022, LifeViewer's Identify functionality also produces period maps for oscillators up to a period of 4194304, provided sufficient memory is available; as of April 2023, all supported 2-state rulespaces can have period maps created.