How are training materials updated and maintained over time in the aerospace industry using DITA?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

Updating and maintaining training materials in the aerospace industry using DITA is a structured and efficient process that ensures the accuracy and relevance of content over time. Aerospace training materials often need frequent updates to keep up with industry standards, regulations, and technological advancements. DITA XML plays a significant role in simplifying this process. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Modular Content: DITA promotes the creation of modular content, where training materials are broken down into smaller, reusable components. For example, a module might cover a specific maintenance procedure for an aircraft component. When updates are required, only the affected modules need modification, reducing the effort and risk of errors. Below is an example of a DITA module:

<topic id="engine_maintenance_procedure">
  <title>Engine Maintenance Procedure</title>
  <body>
    <section>
      <title>Introduction</title>
      <p>In this section, you will learn about engine maintenance.</p>
    </section>
    <section>
      <title>Procedure</title>
      <p>To maintain the engine, follow these steps:</p>
      <ol>
        <li>Turn off the engine.</li>
        <li>Inspect components.</li>
        <li>Clean the engine.</li>
      </ol>
    </section>
  </body>
</topic>

2. Version Control: Aerospace training materials can have numerous versions. DITA enables content creators to maintain version control within the XML structure. It helps track changes, revisions, and updates made to specific modules over time. This ensures that the correct and most recent content is delivered to learners. Below is an example of version control within a DITA topic:

<topic id="engine_maintenance_procedure" class="- version-2-1">
  <title>Engine Maintenance Procedure (v2.1)</title>
  <!-- Content goes here -->
</topic>

3. Metadata and Labels: Metadata and labels can be used to categorize and classify content within DITA. This aids in content management and maintenance. Labels can indicate content status, such as “draft,” “reviewed,” or “final.” Metadata can provide information about content owners, update dates, or associated regulations. Here’s an example:

<topic id="engine_maintenance_procedure">
  <title>Engine Maintenance Procedure</title>
  <metadata>
    <label>Draft</label>
    <owner>John Doe</owner>
    <last-update>2023-11-01</last-update>
  </metadata>
  <!-- Content goes here -->
</topic>

By structuring content into modular components, implementing version control, and utilizing metadata and labels, DITA streamlines the process of updating and maintaining aerospace training materials. This approach ensures that training content remains current, accurate, and compliant with evolving industry standards and regulations.