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An intelligent information dictionary extends the traditional roles of a data dictionary by enabling the user to view, manipulate, and verify semantic aspects of data not expressed in a relational database. In the past, data dictionary systems have served as an interface between the database management system (DBMS) and the application programs that access the data. This close coupling of data dictionary, DBMS, and application programs excludes facilities for interactive access by a casual user. This paper describes an intelligent information dictionary (IID) which serves as a knowledge-based interface between a database user and the query language of a relational database management system. IID extends the traditional roles of a data dictionary by enabling a user to view, manipulate, and verify semantic aspects of relational data. Our use of IID focuses on the interactive creation of simulation-specific databases from large 'public' databases in the domain of military simulation and modeling. We identified classes of database-related activities performed by a simulation developer when preparing databases as input to simulation models. Three categories of IID capabilities supporting these activities are: explanation and browsing, customized data manipulation, and interactive consistency checking. This paper details specific features of these categories and present examples of their use. (edc)