This program is a hypertext application that was developed by C. Barrett Kennedy using software developed by MaxThink, Inc. The application was assembled to address information management issues relevant to Historic Preservation and the Architecture Profession. The IPIS-Hypertext application is copyright by C. Barrett Kennedy (copyright 1989). For information, contact: Barrett Kennedy 801 Toms Creek Rd. Blacksburg, VA 24060 The Electronic Book: The integration of media resources represents the promise of a new paradigm for information processing and knowledge acquisition. Information exists in many formats and contexts, and this electronic "Information Age" in which we are participants is precipitating an information glut of staggering proportions. The rapid pace of technological change is outstripping society's ability to productively assimilate a remarkable variety of new tools that might favorably influence every aspect of our lives. A concerted effort is essential to affect the transfer and application of appropriate technologies that will facilitate information management tasks. While the digital format represents an appropriate common denominator for the management of information (as virtually any data type can be translated into a digital environment), the superimposition of an ordering system is necessary to facilitate the extraction of knowledge from a large and diverse database. In order to become meaningful, information resources must be organized according to the hierarchical and network relationships that constitute the structural substance of the knowledge base. As a consequence of this structuring, the knowledge communities of the information ecology will become more accessible and comprehensible, and eminently more useful. Hypertext systems are information management environments that make the superimposition of viable structural frameworks possible. As a test (and demonstration) of this information management paradigm, the hypertext application (IPIS-Hypertext) that is contained on the enclosed diskette serves as the primary vehicle for the presentation of the dissertation document. This interactive "electronic book" permits a high degree of user discretion in navigating the assembled information base, and it ensures the usefulness of the material as a reference resource to a broader audience than might otherwise be expected. Conceptually, this manifestation of an electronic document environment is a precursor to the ultimate ascendancy of a digital format over traditional printed media in the management and communication of data. IPIS-Hypertext is intended to demonstrate the utility of hypertext as an interactive environment for information integration and management. This application enables system users with a broad variety of computer skills, professional interests, and preservation expertise to rapidly access, and hopefully assimilate, relevant information contained in the knowledge base. The IPIS-Hypertext environment allows knowledge base explorers to follow many paths through a wilderness of information resources in search of the content (single file nodes or complex, linked file paths) most appropriate to individual needs and interests. The primary basis for movement through the structure of the IPIS-Hypertext system are the associative links that mark information paths through the knowledge base. The component parts of the knowledge base are called "information nodes". These modular idea entities are accessed through paths defined by associative links, represented by the enclosure of a filename in "<>" brackets (eg. ). Each associative link also includes a brief descriptive label (descriptor) that represents the idea content of the associated file. As the reader scans a particular file in the IPIS-Hypertext system, an understanding of the greater context of the knowledge community (communities) of which an individual file may be but one small part can be acquired from the implied information content of the associatively linked nodes. Upon inserting the enclosed 1.2 Mbyte diskette in the "A" drive of an IBM AT (or compatible) computer, the IPIS-Hypertext program is initiated by switching to the "A" drive ( A: ) and typing IPIS at the DOS prompt (A:>). After the primary IPIS-Hypertext network display appears on the computer screen, user directed interaction may begin. There are a variety of means which the reader can employ to move through the information base. These are described in the appropriate network screen (eg. "Interactive Utilities") and in the "Help" files. The most basic movement commands employ the Up and Down Arrow keys to position a highlight bar at the desired network topic or associative file link, and the Enter key or the Right Arrow key to activate the display of the topic screen or the linked file. Note that a text editor can be configured with this application when one is specified in the "Options" settings (ex. c:\path\program #). Summary of IPIS-Hypertext navigational commands: PgDn/PgUp Keys ............ Control screen scroll Up/Down Arrow Keys ........ Highlight the associative links Right Arrow Key ........... Select a link path Left Arrow Key ............ Retreat along the current path Press [F1] to activate a "Help" screen from anywhere in the program. The system user should be aware that IPIS-Hypertext can: Traverse links between ASCII files............. : ex. Traverse links leading to specified screens........ : ex. Traverse links leading to specified lines........ : ex. Traverse links leading to specified text........... : ex. Link an ASCII file with a [.PCX] graphics file ...... : ex. Run a program application (.EXE, .COM, .BAT)..... : ex. Recognition of the need to formulate new strategies for information management underscores the fundamental problems that exist with traditional print media. The Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) Graduate School's recognition of the potential that this hypertext application represents as an alternative environment for dissertation documents acknowledges the importance of capitalizing on the capabilities of heretofore underutilized computer based systems. In order to meet the parameters set forth for microfilm reproduction, a printed dissertation document has also been produced as a supplement to the electronic version. Some readers may be tempted to peruse (indeed, if tempted to engage in an exploration of these information management issues at all) the printed document as a familiar medium of information exchange. However, the author, wholeheartedly and without reservation, encourages the reader of this material to explore the electronic book rather than the traditional printed document. While the material in the electronic format can be reviewed in the same serial progression that the printed format offers, the user of the electronic book has far more powerful capabilities in accessing and extracting useful information contained in the body of the knowledge base. Integrated Preservation Information Management: The greater context of this work encompasses a variety of concerns relevant to the design and planning professions, but the focal issues around which this project has been developed are the critical information management needs of the preservation community. As a means of structuring the discussion of needs, and the potential for resolving these needs through electronic technologies, the seven component activities of the preservation process offer an appropriate framework through which needs can be correlated with technological promise. These activities are neither rigidly serial nor content exclusive. Rather, the steps of the preservation process represent a broad range of interrelated tasks that are directed towards one central objective, the preservation and celebration of the cultural heritage. In the examination of this focal preservation theme, an understanding of the following terminology is essential: Cultural resources can be defined as "unique, nonrenewable resources subject to continual stress from human and natural agents" (U.S. Congress, 1986). The need to eliminate or limit the effects of such stress has resulted in the development of knowledge, skills, and techniques for managing cultural resources. "Cultural resource management" (CRM) is the "process of preserving our cultural heritage (sites, structures, artifacts, records, landscapes) for the benefit of the American people through the application of management skills within the political process" (U.S. Congress, 1986). The "preservation process" describes the seven component activities of sensitive, sensible cultural resource management. These components consist of resource identification, documentation, analysis, data management, conservation, protection, and education. "Preservation technology" refers to the tools and techniques that enhance or facilitate the activities of the preservation process by improving the quality, quantity, and usefulness of cultural resource data. These preservation technologies can range from traditional, relatively simple techniques to highly sophisticated tools based on complex technologies. "Technology transfer" is the term used to describe the resolution of challenges and problems encountered in one discipline through techniques and technologies developed in another discipline. The Preservation Process at Work: This dissertation anticipates that by the year 2000, the appropriate application of electronic technologies to the tasks of cultural resource management will enable the preservation process to unfold according to the following scenarios: Resource Identification: Predictive modeling and remote sensing techniques are used to identify a potentially significant site of prehistoric or historic cultural activity. The predictive computer models utilize artificial intelligence capabilities to define the criteria which indicate evidence of cultural activity or impact on the landscape. Powerful computer processors that employ superconductive components and superchips sort through the massive volumes of remotely sensed data (from space borne and aerial sources) in order to identify landscape anomalies that differentiate the evidence of human impact from naturally occurring features. The computer generated list of potential cultural sites is then corroborated through close range remote sensing techniques and field inspection. 2. Documentation: Along with the use of multispectral, radar, and magnetic remote sensing devices, cultural sites are comprehensively documented using high resolution digital video recording equipment. The cultural landscape reflects man's activities and interactions with the natural environment. Whether buildings, roads, manipulations of the soil, or simple responses to the natural condition, the landscape marked by human activity is the most enduring monument to the presence of mankind. In addition to the documentation of the individual resource, the surrounding site and landscape are videographically recorded to accurately portray the spatial relationships and environmental/cultural character of the larger context of the urban, industrial, or rural setting. In this methodology, 3-D reference objects (reference stadia) are placed on or adjacent to the subject buildings (or ruins, etc.) in order to establish object scale. The video crew then works its way around the exterior of the structures, recording overall views and the larger context of the site. In addition, the crew videotapes detailed information about the material types, joints, evidence of physical condition and material performance, unique or significant design or construction features, and specific environmental information. Conditions permitting, interior views of the structure are similarly recorded in the context of spatial qualities, design intent, quality of craftsmanship, furnishings, etc. The completed video record represents a primary documentary source, and it is archivally secured in order to preserve record quality. Selected frames of the video record are transferred to the computer environment using a frame grab board with digital signal capture capabilities. Digital audio recordings of environmental sounds, commentary, and oral histories are also transferred to the computer environment, parsed, and linked to appropriate graphic data fields. Additional sensory evidence that contributes to the characterization of the site and associated historic activities is also compiled and indexed to the resource record. Historic written and graphic materials are electronically scanned into the digital information base using systems with appropriate graphic capabilities (300-2000 dots per inch resolution; monochromatic with up to 256 gray shades; color with up to 32,000 colors). Hand written, typed, and typeset textual information is converted from graphic to ASCII format through an optical character recognition program. 3. Analysis: Close range application of remote sensing and predictive modeling techniques serve architectural concerns in evaluating the integrity of historic building structure and fabric. Digitized images of historic materials are examined through multispectral techniques to determine age, authenticity, structural character, and condition. A database of materials signatures (with an assigned gradient from healthy to failing for each of a range of historic and contemporary building materials) provides the AI engine with the criteria for comprehensively, but non-intrusively, assessing the condition of the historic structure or artifact. Images of selected buildings and fragile artifacts are subjected to computerized dimensional analysis in order to generate accurate CADD drawings and 3-D graphic models of existing conditions. Views acquired from historic photographs are also dimensionally analyzed to enable the accurate computer generated modeling of the historic scene, and to graphically simulate the evolution of the site from the historic to contemporary context. The graphic representations (and simulations) will enhance the understanding of the character and quality of historic resources, as well as the impact of past, present, and future threats on the integrity and viability of each cultural resource. 4. Data Management: The massive volumes of data that constitute the resource record are stored in a digital format on optical disks. Magneto-optical devices are used as a working medium for information processing and for supplements to the resource record. CD-ROM devices are used as an archival digital storage medium for the assembled information base. To accommodate the graphic component of the resource record, compression algorithms reduce image file size by more than 99%, and dedicated image processing superchips with superconductive components permit the real time (1/30 sec.) decompression of high resolution color image files. Similarly, compression algorithms process audio files for more efficient storage, and decompress them for serial transmission in real time on user demand. The information generated by the activities of the preservation process is compiled in a hypermedia environment to facilitate integrated information management. The interactive environment provides rapid user access to the full range of data fields and data types that constitute the resource record. Network links to related records and other reference resources are constructed to facilitate information processing. The user interface to the information base is predominantly via natural language processing. The user directs the processing of the information path and the synthesis of information nodes through voice commands. Audio and textual information stored in other languages is translated into English text or audio as required by the user. Text files can either be viewed and processed in an ASCII format, or processed as audio files. 5. Conservation: Based on the analysis of the accumulated evidence, a determination of historic significance and integrity is established. Using computer generated 3-D graphic simulations and predictive modeling techniques, the projected implications of alternative conservation strategies and associated costs are visually depicted. The resource management decision process is facilitated by free space holographic representations of information regarding the historic, contemporary, and projected context of the historic site. The process of graphic evaluation of alternatives provides a fuller understanding of near and long term management consequences, and serves as a foundation for better informed decisions to ensure conservation of significant features, materials, qualities, and associations. A global conservation knowledge network utilizing the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) protocol provides a digital forum for the exchange of information regarding conservation strategies and techniques. Through the use of a collaborative software (groupware) environment, the network facilitates a global dialogue between conservation professionals as a means to share personal experiences and insight, as well as technical information derived from product application and research. The individual participant in the network can automate the extraction of information from the network by activating a programmable data filter that monitors the global knowledge base for information relevant to specifically defined issues and problems. The integration of preservation information into a hypermedia environment facilitates the generation of conservation documents, from task specific work orders to comprehensive preservation directives. The hypermedia environment provides a foundation for the organization of a massive preservation knowledge base from which a user can extract text (specifications), graphics (working drawings and 3-D models), and material lists (product literature) appropriate to an individual project. The digital information is then utilized as a computer based "electronic working document" in a format (text, 2-D and 3-D graphics) that best meets the requirements of the application. Miniaturization of powerful electronic components (superchips) and the development of sophisticated graphics processing algorithms endow laptop computers with the requisite high resolution 3-D displays, immense optical storage capabilities, and real time animation and digital video capabilities to make them effective as portable work environments, and as vehicles for the dissemination and management of project documents. Cellular communications links permit the exchange of information between the field site and the office environment (the contractor, subcontractors, the project manager/designer, engineering services, materials suppliers, the client, etc.). Project information is updated regularly through the cellular link, facilitating the resolution of field problems, change orders, and scheduling conflicts. The hypermedia environment is also linked to the project document, so that the extraction of additional information from the knowledge base is possible. This also ensures that any modification of the electronic project document is recorded in the originating (archival) document in the hypermedia environment. 6. Protection: Significant historic artifacts, writings, and graphic materials are accurately replicated as digital constructs in order to preserve their integrity while facilitating access to the information they contain or represent. The placement of the historic resource in an archivally stable environment ensures its continued protection. The digital construct (or clone) ensures the productive utilization of the resource for research, interpretation, and education activities. High capacity storage media (optical disks) are used to archive digital information resources. A StereoLithographic Apparatus produces 3-D replicas of historic artifacts, tools, and utensils. The ability to generate surrogate experiences through which contemporary individuals can interact with the component parts or the whole of an historic scene increases the understanding of conservation values and substantiates the socioeconomic foundation for cultural resource protection. Culturally significant sites and structures are continually monitored for adverse impacts through electronic subsurface, surface, and remote sensory devices. These superchip devices have integral processing capabilities, and as a network, they constitute a comprehensive spatial data management system (SDMS). The individual programmable devices have specific predefined tasks (monitoring building movement, moisture content in building materials, the volume of visitor use, environmental quality, weather patterns, etc.). The whole of the site is a 3-D computer environment in free space that is linked to the monitoring component of a central resource management system. This centralized system also monitors the impact of forces, events, and policies that are external to the specific resource site. The accumulated body of information is continuously processed by an AI system that is programmed to recognize problems that threaten resource integrity, and to report policy, task, and scheduling recommendations. As a function of the global conservation knowledge network, movable cultural resources are cataloged and monitored to mitigate the the theft and illegal sale of antiquities. The network can be queried for status reports on stolen or missing objects, and for information about known traffickers in the illegal antiquities trade. 7. Education: An educational agenda for cultural literacy will be enhanced through the application of virtually all of the technologies discussed in this document. Fundamental to education processes is the nature of the user interface with the preservation knowledge base. Natural language processing capabilities will permit a virtual dialogue between the user and the machine environment, and between the various users of the network "machinery." The high degree of user discretion in defining paths through the information base, in marking and retracing paths, and in following paths defined by others establishes an appropriately interactive environment for learning. The sensory richness of the information base (audio, visual, olfactory, and tactile data) comprehensively represents the character of the constituent cultural resources. Representational techniques employing 3-D animation, stereoscopic video, and projected holography create a virtual reality from the resources of the information base, placing the system user into a simulated construct of the historic context. The assembly of highly interactive and graphic presentation and working environments are the foundation for effective information dissemination. The miniaturization of electronic hardware components (superchips, superconductors, screen display, and storage media) and the development of powerful software modules and operating environments (compression algorithms, hypermedia systems, groupware) means that preservation information systems are highly portable, and can be utilized in environments and at times most suitable for learning. The ability to link remote information stations to a global network means that the whole of the knowledge base is always accessible to the individual user. These technologies facilitate the application of the open classroom concept for group instruction and for individual student users.