Abstract
This research, exploring the dual logical and visual representation of information models, has been developed in accordance with two synergic approaches. The first one can be considered "theoretical". This section introduces the basic principles of user centered design applied to information architecture of web sites and ontologies applied to visually displayed informations. The second part is "experimental": a specific case study was designed, prototyped and tested in a two sequential steps iterative process, exploiting theoretical hypothesis The www.valceno.org has been developed in the framework of the Project Orchidea in order to implement knowledge sharing and management tool for local community to elaborate a development strategy of its own territory supported by IT using both relational DB and GIS (Geographic Information System). This system offers two possibility of information access: through the visual research it is possible to enter the system maps based on ortophotos, divided by subjects and display criteria, while through the logical research it is possible to use keywords or subjects selectors