This document answers some common questions about using MetaMap. Note that MetaMap runs a 64-bit binary.

Please visit download and installation for information about those topics. These FAQ are constantly evolving; suggestions are always welcome!

Why do I need a license to run MetaMap?

• See this page for more information.

On what platforms is MetaMap available for download?

• See this page for more information.

What input formats does MetaMap accept?

• Unformatted English text UPDATED for MetaMap2020

• MEDLINE Citation format

• List of Terms

• List of Terms with ID

• Processing bulleted lists

What output formats does MetaMap generate?

• Human-Readable Output

• XML Output

• JSON Output

• Fielded MMI Output

• Prolog Machine Output

How fast does MetaMap run?

• See this page for more information.

What are some useful MetaMap processing options?

• Word Sense Disambiguation

• Exclude/Restrict to UMLS Sources

• Ignore Word Order

• Exclude/Restrict to UMLS Semantic Types

• Term Processing

• Supressing Numerical Concepts

• Processing Conjunction

• Processing Tabular Data

The latest MetaMap Usage page can be found here.

What are some typical MetaMap scenarios or use cases?

• Processing Clinical Text UPDATED for MetaMap2020

• Preferring Multiple Concepts (Inference Mode)

• Generating All Partial Matches (Browse Mode)

What are MetaMap’s Data Models and Versions?

• Strict and Relaxed Models

• Base, USAbase, and NLM Data Versions

What are the UMLS Semantic Types and Groups?

• Symantic Types and Groups

Where do I find a UMLS vocabulary’s code fields?

• Derive Code Field

How can I block unwanted UMLS concepts?

• Block Unwanted Concepts

Why doesn’t MetaMap generate any results?

• Out-of-Memory Errors

Why is MetaMap running for so long? What can I do?

• See Out-of-Memory Errors.

What if I have a question that the FAQ don’t answer?

• See this page for how to request assistance.