Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of gathering new data form a specific data source, categorizing this data into a hierarchical directory structure, and building parameters to further describe this data. A harvesting system is an application that can organize and locate external data; the harvesting system can be used to navigate, organize and locate this data. The harvesting system utilizes a defined data model, referred to as a core data structure, that describes the logical structure of the data. Within the core data structure are pointers, which refer back to the source data. The loading process can be manually done, or can be automatically accomplished using this harvesting process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for formatting information within a directory tree structure into an encyclopedia-like entry. The method includes performing a search by utilizing a selective one or more search methodologies including keyword search, hierarchical search, dichotomous key search, and parametric search to correlate a search criteria to a searchable database for generating one or more matching items, wherein the searchable database is formatted in the directory tree structure. The directory tree structure includes nodes comprising a collection of related data and branches comprising links between the nodes. Each matching item represents a node from within the directory tree structure. The method further includes selecting one of the matching items, formatting the collection of related data corresponding to the node of the selected matching item into an encyclopedia-like entry, and displaying the encyclopedia-like entry corresponding to the node of the selected matching item.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure. The method includes generating the directory tree structure that includes nodes comprising a designated category for each node and branches comprising links between the nodes, and generating one or more pointers. Each pointer corresponds to a specific node and the pointer links the specific node to an item of data within the searchable database. All pointers associated with the specific node link related items of data corresponding to the designated category. Each node within the directory tree structure can include a corresponding html address. Items of data can be web-based multimedia including audio, video, images, and appropriately formatted text, displayed in an encyclopedia-like format. Nodes, branches, and pointers within the directory tree structure can continually be added, edited, or deleted.