Difference maps can be calculated to compare conformational maps. In the example shown the conformational maps of the disaccharide fragment β-D-GlcpNAc-(1-4)-α-D-Manp either as part of a highly branched oligosaccharide (b) or as part of a linear chain (c) are compared. The reduction of accessible conformational space caused by neighbouring residues in the branched oligosaccharide can clearly be seen in the difference map (a, deep red areas represent regions where the neighbouring residue causes a strong energy penalty mainly by steric conflicts).