Spatial Data Management System

Abstract
The Architecture Machine Group has been developing an experimental information system which exploits the user's sense of spatiality to organize and access data. Conceptual roots lie in the observation that one can readily locate and retrieve some book from one's bookshelf, or the appointment calendar from one's desktop, on the basis of where it is, or where one put it, in a well- learned, familiar space. A prototype system has been developed that uses wall- sized, full color digital television with synchronized stereo sound to create a virtual spatial world, 'Dataland,' over which the user helicopters via joystick control. Items of interest seen through a graphics 'window' can be zoomed in upon and interactively perused. Data types include: maps, text, book-like items, letters, photographs, slides, movies, sound and television. Results thus far suggest that the user quickly learns (on the order of minutes) to navigate about such a space, and readily adopts a spatial way of regarding and discussing data. The approach of managing data spatially is offfered not as an alternative in competition with managing data on a symbolic or name basis, but as a complement thereto. This manner of dealing with data should have special appeal for that class of user for whom directness and immediacy are essential qualities for interaction.