topic map

semantics A collection of "topics", their relationships, and

information sources. A topic map captures the subjects of

which information sources speak, and the relationships between

them, in a way that is implementation independent.

A topic is a symbol within the computer that represents

something in the world such as the play Hamlet, the playwright

William Shakespeare, or the "authorship" relationship.

Topics can have names. They can also have occurrences, that

is, information resources that are considered to be relevant

in some way to their subject. Topics can play roles in

relationships.

Thus, topics have three kinds of characteristics: names,

sources, and roles played in relationships. The assignment of

such characteristics is considered to be valid within a

certain scope, or context.

Topic maps can be merged. Merging can take place at the

discretion of the user or application (at runtime), or may be

indicated by the topic map's author at the time of its

creation.

(2003-07-19)