ZedAI RNIB DTDs
From zedwiki
RNIB DTDs
RNIB has a suite of DTDs which it has been using since the beginning of 2000 for its XML-based production. Most have evolved over time, but are generally fairly stable. At the outset we looked at a variety of existing DTDs but none properly fitted our purpose - i.e. multimedia production for visually impaired people, so we decided that we needed to develop our own. Looking back, one of the main influences was probably the isobook DTD.
From the start we have followed a fairly textbook approach to DTDs, i.e.:
- different DTDs are used for different types of document
- elements are used to name items in the document of particular structural type
- attributes are used for variations within that structure which we might need to indicate
Where there is a class of documents with a similar structure, we tend to have a DTD for that class. Other considerations are the programming needs (e.g. outputs) for a group of documents, and house-style design of a group of documents (e.g. catalogues) which can be codified in a specific DTD.
We try to use common element names and substructures across our DTDs. E.g. sections, paragraphs, tables, graphics, lists, etc., are generally the same or similar across the range of DTDs.
Our DTDs are part of our XML System, which provides an integrated set of input and output processes into XML, and out from XML into various formats, including: braille, print, Daisy, HTML, etc. It also includes the user environment for creating and editing XML files. As a consequence we take a holistic approach to these developments. This means that DTDs evolve hand-in-hand with production needs, user working environment design, and programming for input and output processing. In short, elements are only introduced when we actually need them, and when we are ready to put in place programming to support or deal with them in all our outputs, and in the user interface.
The main DTDs in current use are:
- ZedAI RNIB DTDs Book DTD
- ZedAI RNIB DTDs Catalog DTD
- ZedAI RNIB DTDs Exam DTD (for examination papers)
- ZedAI RNIB DTDs Leaflet DTD
- ZedAI RNIB DTDs Mag DTD (for magazines)
- ZedAI RNIB DTDs Simpdoca DTD (for fairly simple ordinary documents)
- ZedAI RNIB DTDs TV DTD (for TV and radio listings)
Some descriptions of the elements in these DTDs are given below. These descriptions are provided as part of the user documentation to assist in the creation and editing of XML files.
- ZedAI RNIB DTDs Book elements
- ZedAI RNIB DTDs Catalog elements
- ZedAI RNIB DTDs Leaflet elements
- ZedAI RNIB DTDs Mag elements
- ZedAI RNIB DTDs Simpdoca elements
Some sample XML documents in these DTDs follow. Note: These are not real documents, but have been made up to display the range of elements in use.
