ISO 13250-2: Topic Maps — Data Model

ISO 13250-2: Topic Maps — Data Model is part 2 of ISO 13250, the topic maps standard, and defines a formal data model for topic maps, which will be used to define the XML topic map syntax (XTM), and also be the foundation for the query language (TMQL) and the schema language (TMCL). It is often known by its acronym: TMDM. (In case you are wondering, yes, it used to be known as the SAM, or Standard Application Model.)

At the moment both TMDM and XTM 2.0 are ISO standards, purchasable from the ISO shop. This means they are both officially finished and stable. Corrections have been made to TMDM since publication; see below for details.

Related links are:

• The guide to the topic maps standards, which explains what is currently happening with the topic map standards. This should help you understand what the TMDM is and how it will be used. (Note: That document refers to it as the SAM and is slightly out of date.)
• The latest TMDM draft, dated 2008-06-03. (This is a corrected version of the official standard.) Also available in PDF form
• The errata for the officially standardized version list corrections made since the official publication.
• The published version of the XTM 2.0 syntax specification, dated 2006-06-19. Also available in PDF form
• The TMDM FAQ, which answers commonly asked questions about the TMDM.
• The topic map standards topic map, which contains lots of useful background information on the TMDM draft, and the issues with it. (If you want a local copy, just use the "Export" link at the top of the page.)
• Requirements for the Standard Application Model. This draft is a little old, but no newer versions are available. (For "foundational model", substitute "TMDM" throughout.)

Schema files for XTM 2.0 are also available:

• RELAX-NG schema (compact syntax),
• DTD,
• W3C XML Schema.

If you have comments or questions related to these specifications, but are not involved in the ISO process, you can send them to the authors: Lars Marius Garshol and Graham Moore.