Specializing DITA for non-software documentation

Title: Specializing DITA for non-software documentation

Hello,

Continuing the discussion of customizing DITA for non-software documentation…

We were having a discussion at Intel about this topic yesterday.  We are mostly documenting silicon products, so we have the same issue about customizing DITA.

Some folks who have already implemented an XML system for their documentation (and who were wishing DITA was available 3 years ago when they started their project!) said that it would be very helpful to structure your docs (and your DITA specializations) based on the concepts of Information Mapping.  DITA already incorporates many Information Mapping ideas, so it would be very consistent to continue in the same vein.

I personally don't have much experience with this, but they were telling me that the idea of Information Mapping breaks down information -- any information created by humans -- into six or seven different information types.  Following this structure, and basing your specializations on this idea, might be helpful.

For more information, see the following URL -- 

http://www.namahn.com/resources/documents/note-IM.pdf

Also, does anyone happen to know any good books on Information Mapping?

Thanks,

Seraphim

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Seraphim Larsen                  ICG Technical Publications

Sr. Technical Writer                      Intel Corporation

(480) 552-6504                                 Chandler, AZ

The content of this message is my personal opinion only. 

Although I am an employee of Intel, the statements I make 

here in no way represent Intel's position on the issue, nor 

am I authorized to speak on behalf of Intel on this matter.

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