How is the distribution and delivery of aerospace documentation managed in DITA outputs?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

Managing the distribution and delivery of aerospace documentation in DITA outputs is a critical aspect of the documentation lifecycle. Aerospace documents, which can include maintenance manuals, training materials, and engineering specifications, need to be delivered efficiently and securely to various stakeholders, including maintenance teams, engineers, and regulators. Here are some key considerations and techniques for managing the distribution and delivery of aerospace documentation in DITA:

1. Output Formats: DITA allows you to generate documentation in various output formats, such as HTML, PDF, and XML. Choosing the appropriate output format for the target audience and distribution channel is crucial. For instance, HTML outputs are suitable for web-based distribution, while PDFs may be preferred for printed manuals or regulatory submissions.

2. Conditional Processing: DITA’s conditional processing features enable you to tailor content for different distribution channels. You can include or exclude specific content based on the output format. This allows you to create customized documents that meet the unique requirements of each audience while maintaining a single source of truth.

3. Secure Distribution: Aerospace documentation often contains sensitive information. It’s essential to implement secure distribution methods to protect the content from unauthorized access. This may involve password protection for downloadable documents or using secure web portals for controlled access to documents.

Example:

Here’s a simplified DITA XML example that demonstrates how conditional processing can be used for distributing aerospace documentation in different formats:

<!-- Example of DITA Conditional Processing for Distribution -->
<topic id="maintenance-procedures">
  <title>Aerospace Maintenance Procedures</title>
  <body>
    <p>This document provides detailed maintenance procedures for aerospace systems.</p>
    <conbody outputclass="web"><p>For the latest updates, visit our website at <link href="https://www.aerospacecompany.com" text="Aerospace Company Website"/></p></conbody>
    <conbody outputclass="pdf"><p>For a printable version of this document, please download the PDF version from our secure portal.</p></conbody>
  </body>

In this example, conditional processing is used to provide different distribution instructions based on the output format. Web-based distribution is promoted for HTML outputs, while a secure portal and PDF download are suggested for the PDF format, ensuring that the content is appropriately delivered to the intended audience.