How are data visualization templates and styles customized and standardized for government documentation in DITA?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

Customizing and standardizing data visualization templates and styles for government documentation in DITA is essential to maintain consistency and adhere to branding guidelines. DITA offers a structured approach to achieve this, ensuring that visual elements are uniform across documents.

Template Customization

DITA allows government agencies to customize data visualization templates to align with specific requirements. Here’s an example of customizing a chart template:


<chart-template id="government_chart">
  <style>
    <color-scheme>gov-colors</color-scheme>
    <font-size>14pt</font-size>
  </style>
  <legend>
    <position>bottom</position>
  </legend>
  <axis>
    <label-size>12pt</label-size>
  </axis>

In this case, a chart template named “government_chart” is customized with specific color schemes, font sizes, legend positions, and axis label sizes to match government documentation standards.

Standardization Across Documents

DITA allows for the standardization of visualization styles across various documents. This ensures a consistent look and feel. Here’s an example of standardizing chart styles:


<document>
  <title>Annual Report</title>
  <body>
    <chart ref="revenue_chart" template="government_chart" />
  </body>

In this example, the “revenue_chart” within the “Annual Report” document references the “government_chart” template, ensuring that the chart style adheres to the predefined government standards.

Accessibility Considerations

When customizing and standardizing data visualization templates and styles in government documentation, it’s crucial to consider accessibility. DITA allows for the inclusion of accessibility features, such as alt text for images and meaningful labels for charts, ensuring that the content is usable by all individuals, including those with disabilities.


<chart ref="budget_chart" template="government_chart">
  <alt-text>Budget allocation chart for the fiscal year 2023.</alt-text>
  <label>Quarterly Budget Allocation</label>

In this instance, the “budget_chart” includes alt text and a meaningful label to enhance accessibility.