The <data> element in DITA plays a crucial role in structuring and presenting data within topics. It provides a standardized way to represent data, making it easier for authors to create well-organized and machine-readable content. Here’s how data is typically structured and presented within DITA topics using the <data> element:

Data Structure

The <data> element allows authors to define structured data within a topic. This structured data can include tables, lists, or other formats suitable for presenting information. For example, when documenting technical specifications in the film industry, you can use the <data> element to create tables that list camera specifications, such as resolution, frame rate, and sensor type. This structured approach ensures that data is presented consistently across topics and is machine-readable for automated processes.

Data Presentation

Using the <data> element, data can be presented in a clear and organized manner. Authors can specify how data should be formatted, and DITA processors can render it accordingly. This consistency in data presentation is especially valuable when creating educational materials for global audiences in the film industry. It ensures that data is presented uniformly across different languages and regions, enhancing the learning experience for students worldwide.

Example:

Here’s an example of how the <data> element is used to structure and present data in DITA:

<topic id="camera_specifications">
  <title>Camera Specifications</title>
  <data>
    <table>
      <tgroup cols="2">
        <thead>
          <row>
            <entry>Resolution</data>
            <entry>Frame Rate</data>
          </row>
        </thead>
        <tbody>
          <row>
            <entry>4K</data>
            <entry>60fps</data>
          </row>
          <row>
            <entry>1080p</data>
            <entry>120fps</data>
          </row>
        </tbody>
      </tgroup>
    </table>
  </data>

In this example, the <data> element is used to structure camera specifications as a table, making it easy to present and manage data consistently within the topic.