Using hyperdocuments for knowledge management: an encyclopedia of southern appalachian forest ecosystems

Abstract

Land managers increasingly need improved access to research knowledge that is thoroughly organized, condensed, and presented in a form that is useful for problem solving. In this paper, we describe the application of hyperdocuments for knowledge management, using an example of a newly developed hypertext encyclopedia on the southern Appalachians. The Encyclopedia of Southern Appalachian Forest Ecosystems (www.iesaf.srs.fed.us) makes research knowledge of southern Appalachians hardwood forests more accessible and more understandable to users. The Encyclopedia synthesizes and integrates the past 65 years of research on southern Appalachian upland ecosystems in a hyperdocument-based encyclopedia system accessible over the Internet. The Encyclopedia is more than a Web site, because it incorporates "intelligent" tools that enhance the use and navigation of the encyclopedia and allow it accommodate users of various skill levels and interests.

Citation

Kennard, Deborah K.; Rauscher, H. Michael; Schmoldt, Daniel L.; Flebbe, Patricia A.; Jordin, J.B.; Hubbard, W.G.; Covington, M.C.; Rushton, N. 2001. Using hyperdocuments for knowledge management: an encyclopedia of southern appalachian forest ecosystems. Proceedings, Southern Forest Science Conference. 7 pp.