Topic Maps are "the GPS of the information universe" says Charles Goldfarb. They are basically an XML structured index of information contained in various files and or databases. This XML index is written in the XTM vocabulary. Most applications manipulate this index using a topic map engine which is roughly equivalent to a relational database management engine except designed for topic maps.
The XTM vocabulary consists of its main element, topic, which is used to represent a specific topic. This topic will be associated with a type or role specified and will often contain a link to an occurrence of the topic. Different topics can then be associated with each other using the association element. This association can be between topics of the same or different roles. These associations can then be recalled when a user searches for information of a topic.
Topic Maps are essentially a method to organize and index information that goes beyond the tradition hierarchical representations commonly implemented. Through various associations and hierarchies topic maps make information easier to find, search and organize.
The XTM vocabulary consists of its main element, topic, which is used to represent a specific topic. This topic will be associated with a type or role specified and will often contain a link to an occurrence of the topic. Different topics can then be associated with each other using the association element. This association can be between topics of the same or different roles. These associations can then be recalled when a user searches for information of a topic.
Topic Maps are essentially a method to organize and index information that goes beyond the tradition hierarchical representations commonly implemented. Through various associations and hierarchies topic maps make information easier to find, search and organize.
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