An Open Model for Hypermedia and Its Application to Geographical Information Systems

Abstract

This paper describes the design and implementation of a multimedia information management environment that is based on an open model for hypermedia. The model, known as Microcosm, is currently implemented in Microsoft Windows and supports many different media types. The open nature of the model and the separation of the links from the data, allows links to be applied across any application running under Windows or the OS/2 version 2 desktop, thus creating a truly integrated environment. One example, which is, discussed in the paper, is the integration of a hypermedia database with a geographical information system. The paper also discusses the application of novel interfaces to dynamic media within a hypermedia system, including the use of moving icons (micons).