Norwegian version (PDF 1,2 MB)

No 8 - Seamless Knowledge

by Ingvild Kongsbakk

A summary

The book gives an introduction to the standard of topic maps and the most important elements of topic maps. A comparison between topic maps and thesauri reveal that the different origins and purposes of the two models contribute to their different structures. The structure of topic maps is that of a network, whereas thesauri have an hierarchical order. An analysis of two web sites based on topic maps identifies some problems related to their implementation. In addition, there is a discussion of the merging of topic maps and problems associated with doing this. Finally, a practical attempt at an actual merger is discussed, illustrating some navigational options made possible in the use of topic maps, and at the same time pointing to some problem areas.