Help with NIB, PO, and DO?

[larva_jt1@yahoo.com (Jeffrey Theusch)]

I am starting work on an ADT-like program called "ADS", Apple Disk
Server.  It involves using a disk image selector interface and
transferring the image to a temporary 5 1/4" floppy.  After it is
booted, a restart of the Apple would result in transferring the temp
floppy back to its original image file on the PC, updating any
changes.  Other options would do simple transfers and other ordinary
"stuff."

I have most of the operation planned out, but for a few details, I
need more information to continue:

1. A powerful feature of my new application could be the use of a
variety of image formats, most notably NIB (You can make transfers of
copy-protected disks and also preserve volume numbering!).  From what
I now know, NIB is the format containing original disk bytes, right?.
Therefore, a fairly simple routine could dump these bytes over a
serial line.  But, how do you do this?  Each track must have a
starting point and ending point, how do I detect this when the disk is
spinning?  What order is the NIB disk image in relation to the
physical disk?  And what about half- and quarter-tracks?  How are
these managed?  Would a disassembly of Saltine's Super Transcopy help?

2. I know that .dsk files can possibly be in Prodos Order (.po) or DOS
Order.  What are these orders, and how can I detect the difference in
disk image files?

3. Is there any basic info on the 2mg format that could help me
incorporate it into my application?

Any answers to any of my questions are greatly appreciated!  Any
knowledge, however small, could help me complete my project.  Thanks!

larva_jt1@yahoo.com