Can DITA improve the efficiency of aerospace documentation workflows?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

DITA significantly enhances the efficiency of aerospace documentation workflows through its structured approach and robust capabilities. The aerospace industry relies on complex and ever-evolving documentation, and DITA streamlines these workflows in several ways.

Modular Authoring: DITA allows content to be authored in smaller, reusable modules. In aerospace documentation, where components are shared across different aircraft, this modularity is a game-changer. Subject matter experts can focus on specific components or systems without disrupting the entire documentation process. For instance:

<!-- Example of a DITA content module for avionics systems -->
<topic id="avionics-systems">
  <title>Avionics Systems</title>
  <body>
    <p>The avionics systems in an aircraft are responsible for...

    <image href="avionics.jpg"/>
    <table>
      <title>Avionics Specifications</title>
      <tgroup cols="2">
        <colspec colname="col1" colwidth="40%"/>
        <colspec colname="col2" colwidth="60%"/>
        <tbody>
          <row>
            <entry>Navigation System</entry>
            <entry>GPS-based navigation</entry>
          </row>
          <row>
            <entry>Communication System</entry>
            <entry>Satellite communication</entry>
          </row>
          <!-- More specifications here -->
        </tbody>
      </tgroup>
    </table>
  </body>
</topic>

Efficient Updates: Aerospace documentation evolves as new regulations and technologies emerge. DITA’s structured approach allows for efficient updates. When a component or regulation changes, you only need to update the specific module, and it automatically propagates to all instances where that module is used. This reduces manual effort and ensures consistency.

Automated Publishing: DITA supports automated publishing processes, making it faster to generate different document types (e.g., manuals, maintenance guides) from the same source content. This automation not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors in the final documentation.

Overall, DITA’s modular authoring, efficient update processes, and automated publishing contribute significantly to improving the efficiency of aerospace documentation workflows, a critical factor in an industry where precision and accuracy are paramount.