MapsAn atlas is a collection of maps, usually bound into book form. As well as geographic features and political boundaries, many often feature geopolitical, social, religious and economic statistics. The name "atlas" derives from the custom of adorning the cover or title page of such collections with a picture of the Atlas of Greek mythology holding the Earth on his shoulders. | DictionariesA dictionary is a list of words with their definitions. Many dictionaries also provide pronunciation information, word derivations, histories, or etymologies, illustrations, usage guidance, and examples in sentences. |
EncyclopediasEncyclopedia or encyclopaedia (from Gr. enkyklios paideia, meaning comprehensive education) and originally signifying instruction in all branches of knowledge, or a comprehensive education in a specific subject. This concept gave rise to the idea of collecting the materials for such instruction into a single work, in which the contents and relations of the various arts and sciences would be explained systematically. Attempts to produce books of this kind were made more than 2,000 years ago, although the name encyclopedia was not given to such works until the 16th century. | ClassificationClassification is needed to provide context for navigation in any knowledge medium, e.g. the WWW. We want to know where we are, and how to go elsewhere. Maps, coordinates, signposts, landmarks, etc are what we use in the physical world, and equivalents are needed in cyberspace. But present methods are cumbersome - you guess at keywords, or click on the most promising link; wait for the results, and click some more, wait some more - searching for specific information can get really frustrating. |
