topic map

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)