A system for use in mapping items such as financial transactions. Each
transactions has line entries with each line entry relating to a
particular object, such as an account. Each line entry has an entry in a
first field or in a second field such as money entries in debit and credit
fields. The system provides a graphical, visual representation linking
objects (accounts) and illustrating (cash) flow between the objects
(accounts). An item (transaction) memory stores entries relating to the
items (transactions). A first object (account) memory stores entries
relating to a first object (account). A second object (account) memory
stores entries relating to a second object (account). An interface,
keyboard or scanner inputs the line entries of the items (transactions)
into the appropriate object (account) memory. A search engine searches the
memories and locates the line entries which relate to each of the objects,
such as entries which contribute money to or distribute money from an
account. A graphics module responsive to the search engine and to the
located line entries creates a map interrelating the (cash) flow between
the objects (accounts) whereby the map provides the graphical
representation interrelating the objects (accounts).