Abstract: Systems and methods create a graphical representation of a research map that allows performance of search functions using the nodes of the graphical representation. In one implementation, a system includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions that cause the processor to receive a query for searching a document repository and run the query in the document repository. The processor stores the results of the query and the query as a root node in a research tree. The processor receives a filter for the results of the query. The processor stores the filter and the result list for the filter as a filter node connected to the root node of in the research tree. The processor receives a request to view a document from the result list for the filter and stores the request as a document node connected to the filter node. The processor then creates a display of a research map that includes the research tree.