CRISTAL Description:

The key component of the CRISTAL information management system is
software that functions as an interactive videographic database
manager.  This software, developed by VideoCad, Inc. (Blacksburg,
Va.) enables the user to combine and manipulate data of different
types from a variety of visual media sources.  As a consequence,
it can provide the foundation structure for:

-   a graphic database that combines images from scanned or video
captured sources with computer generated graphics, text, or
numeric data.

-   an interactive simulation program that provides access to
graphic processing capabilities, enabling a user to manipulate
contemporary and historical images to depict evolved or proposed
changes to sites and structures.  This capability can be used in
a variety of research, analysis, and interpretation applications.
Graphic simulations can visually demonstrate the contextual
fabric of place, and convey an understanding of the essential
character and integrity of cultural resources, thereby
facilitating the resource management decision process.

-   resource protection design and planning by enabling a user to
generate graphic aids to prescribe appropriate material
treatments, maintenance routines, development schemes, or
monitoring activities.  

<dfile37>   CRISTAL: Introduction
<dfile40>   CRISTAL: Objectives
<dfile42>   CRISTAL: Prototypes
<dfile43>   CRISTAL: 4 Preservation Issues