Planning with Hypermedia Combining Text,Graphics, Sound,and Video

One of the most exciting areas of development in computer technology today is the organization and display of information using a variety of media. Commonly termed “hypermedia,” this technology allows one to combine text with interactive video, maps, animation, graphics, and sound. In this report we examine the terminology and history of the development of hypermedia, evaluate three current software packages (Hyper-card, Supercard, and Guide), and describe three hypermedia applications relevant to planning practice. We conclude that there will be an explosion of planning information available in digital form, and that hypermedia technology will help us organize this information, and will form the basis for much more powerful decision support systems for planning.