How do maritime companies ensure that localized content retains the same technical accuracy as the source content?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

To maintain the technical accuracy of localized content in maritime companies using DITA XML, it is essential to establish robust processes and tools. This ensures that the content remains consistent and up-to-date across different languages and regions, while also adhering to industry-specific standards.

Terminology Management

One critical aspect is the management of industry-specific terminology. Maritime companies often have specialized terminology that needs to be accurately translated and maintained. Using DITA, a centralized terminology database can be created, allowing for consistent translation of key terms across all languages. This ensures that technical accuracy is preserved in each localized version.

Translation Memory and Localization Tools

Utilizing translation memory tools and localization platforms is another key strategy. These tools store previously translated content, enabling efficient and accurate translations. When updates are made to the source content, DITA XML allows for easy identification of changed segments. Translation memory tools can then suggest previously approved translations for these segments, ensuring both accuracy and consistency in localized content.

Example:

Here’s an example of how DITA XML can be used for terminology management:


<concept id="ship_stability">
  <title>Ship Stability</title>
  <body>
    <p>The metacentric height</term> is a crucial parameter in ship stability.</p>
    <p>It is calculated as the distance between the <term id="center_of_gravity">center of gravity</term> and the <term id="metacenter">metacenter</term> of the ship.</p>
  </body>
</concept>

In this example, DITA XML is used to define and manage maritime terminology consistently, ensuring accurate translations in localized content.