Information system for interactive access to geographic information

An information system for interactive access to geographic information using visual and interactive multimedia representation to retrieve global data, comprising:

• memory means for storing multimedia geographic information and a plurality of identifying attributes;
• input means for interfacing with users for receiving operating instructions specifying queries concerning specified geographic features, multimedia geographic information and identifying data, said input means connected with said memory means for storing data inputted by a user;
• output means for presenting multimedia geographic information and specified geographic features stored in said memory means to said users simultaneously in three-dimensional and two-dimensional formats using a virtual display means for displaying geographical information on a monitor and a physical display means for displaying a geographic world map, said virtual display means and said physical display means operatively synchronized to output said multimedia geographic information in unison;
• and
• processing means including an interactive interface means connected to said memory means, said input means, and said output means for receiving input signals from said input means, invoking specified protocols, and generating control signals to operatively control said information system to respond to signals received from said input means, accessing said memory means to retrieve information requested by a user through said input means, and determining the mode of presenting said information requested by a user to said user via said output means, said interactive interface means comprises graphical interface means for annunciating operating commands, identifying keywords and animating tools and invoking associated operating protocol, said graphical interface means comprising operating command buttons for specifying predetermined geographic features, identifying keyword lists for listing identifying keywords identifying corresponding said multimedia geographic information and said specified geographic features, and animation toolbox for selecting manipulation options to manipulate and animate multimedia geographic maps and said physical display means.