Transactions in GIS, 2007, 11(1): 9–27 © 2007 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd Blackwell Publishing Ltd Oxford, UK TGIS Transactions in GIS 1361-1682 © 2007 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd January 2007 11 1Research Article Realizing the Literate Traveller W E Cartwright B Williams and C Pettit Research Article Realizing the Literate Traveller William E Cartwright Department of Spatial Information Science RMIT University Chris Pettit Department of Spatial Information Science RMIT University Bob Williams Command and Control Division Defence Science and Technology Organisation Edinburgh, South Australia Keywords: Information systems, geographical knowledge, spatial analysis, visualization, rich media Abstract A current research project is addressing the problem of finding appropriate geographical information by developing a (geo)information realization resource based upon the concepts of the Literate Traveller. It has as its main goal to provide tools for geographical knowledge building and exploration, by providing conventional spatial information plus geographical interpretation and appreciation artifacts. These artifacts are delivered in an interactive multimedia environment. This research examines the formulation of an initial prototype component to assist in providing geographical knowledge. The prototype is based on a study site in Townsville, Australia, and is being used as a vehicle to explore enhanced spatial information provision through the use of rich media. The research examines new ways to prospect for, discover and disseminate spatial knowledge within an intelligence-briefing context. The paper reports on the concepts behind the design of the application developed for the test site, and presents initial findings from the early evaluation of the prototype. 1 Introduction Presenting geographical information using new media requires a different approach to that of ‘just maps’. Strategies for information assembly, access, interaction and ‘finding’ the required information have to be developed. The application of different metaphorical Address for correspondence: William E. Cartwright, School of Mathematical and Geospatial Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. E-mail: william.cartwright@rmit.edu.au Note: A modified version of this paper was presented at the 2003 Spatial Sciences Coalition conference in Canberra, Australia. This paper is published here with the permission of the Spatial Sciences Institute, Australia.