Technical Overview:
Online Historic Walking Tour of Oakland

There are two major components to the technical development of this project: design of the database and design of the web site.

The Database

First, we will make a "wish list" of all data that we want to track in this system. Using a diagramming tool such as Visio, we will model the data and create an E-R diagram. When we have a logical design that we are happy with, we will implement a working model in Microsoft Access, taking advantage of its support for SQL.

However, the SIMS lab does not currently have server support for hosting Access databases. Also, Access isn't very robust. Therefore, we will migrate to Oracle 7.2, which is supported by the lab, as well as many other sites on campus and elsewhere.

The Web Site

The site will be designed in tandem with the database; however, it has its own set of issues and technologies. Because search engines generally only can index static pages, not dynamically generated ones, we will need to have a static component of the site as well (and it will have to be appropriately marked up with meta tags). Using Dreamweaver 1.2, we will create a set of permanent pages, as well as design mockups for the database-generated pages.

We plan to take advantage of Dreamweaver's Library feature, which lets you easily update commonly used elements such as navigation bars. We will also be using Javascript to enhance our design with image rollovers, rotating banners, and other features.

We would also like to investigate the possible use of other technologies in this site that might enhance its usability and effectiveness, including RealMedia and Quicktime VR.