Hypertext Road Maps:

The information retrieval process in a hypertext system is analogous to 
using a road map to navigate through the countryside to arrive at a 
destination location.  It is a process that encourages trial and error, 
and the exploration of alternative trails.  A traveler can discover a 
variety of paths that lead successfully from start to destination.  
Depending on the context of the particular journey, one path might prove 
to be most appropriate.  Such is the concept behind hypertext systems.  

<hfig09.pcx>  Associatively Linked Nodes in an Information Base

The system user selects the associative links that seem most appropriate 
to the context of the current decision environment. Different link choices 
lead to different paths which can be explored for information relevant to 
the current task.  As the trail of relevant nodes becomes better defined, 
the user can leave "blazes" which mark the trail for reuse, or for other 
users to follow.  

<hfig10.pcx>  A User Defined Path Through an Information Base

After the information path is fully defined, the user applies the acquired 
knowledge to the decision process.  Repeated system use establishes 
greater familiarity with nodal landmarks, confirming knowledge acquisition 
and enhancing user interaction with the whole of the information base.

<cfile32>   Hypertext Navigation
<cfile35>   Hypertext: Beginning Users