Metadata inheritance between maps and topics

The topicmeta element in maps contains numerous elements for the declaration of metadata. In general, specifying metadata in a topicmeta element is equivalent to specifying it in the topic, while allowing that topic to be reused in other maps where the metadata does not apply. Many items in the metadata also cascade to nested topic references within the map.

For each element in the topicmeta, the following table provides three different behaviors.


Table 1. Topicmeta elements and their properties
Element How does it apply to the topic (in this context)? Does it cascade to other topics in the map? What is the purpose when specified at the map level?
audience Add to the topic Yes Specify an audience for the entire map
author Add to the topic Yes Specify an author for the entire map
category Add to the topic Yes Specify a category for the entire map
copyright Add to the topic Yes Specify a copyright for the entire map
critdates Add to the topic Yes Specify critical dates for the entire map
data Add to the topic No, unless specialized for a purpose that inherits No stated purpose, until the element is specified
data-about Add the property to the specified target No, unless specialized for a purpose that inherits No stated purpose, until the element is specified
foreign Add to the topic No, unless specialized for a purpose that inherits No stated purpose, until the element is specified
keywords Add to the topic No No stated purpose
linktext Not added to the topic; applies to links created based on this occurrence in the map No No stated purpose
othermeta Add to the topic No Define metadata for the entire map
permissions Add to the topic Yes Specify permissions for the entire map
prodinfo Add to the topic Yes Specify product info for the entire map
publisher Add to the topic Yes Specify a publisher for the map
resourceid Add to the topic No Specify a resource ID for the map
searchtitle Replace the one in the topic. If multiple searchtitles are given for one target, processors may choose to issue a warning. No No stated purpose
shortdesc Not added to the topic; applies to links created based on this occurrence in the map No Provide a description of the map
source Add to the topic No Specify a source for the map
unknown Add to the topic No, unless specialized for a purpose that cascades No stated purpose, until the element is specified
Related concepts
Inheritance of attributes and metadata in maps

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OASIS DITA Version 1.1 Architectural Specification -- OASIS Standard, 1 August 2007
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