What role does stylesheet customization play in government document formatting with DITA?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

Stylesheet customization is pivotal in formatting government documents with DITA, as it defines the presentation of the structured content. Custom stylesheets are used to apply the government’s branding guidelines and to ensure that documents meet the legal accessibility standards.

Branding and Consistency

Custom stylesheets allow for the application of consistent branding across all government documentation. This includes the use of official color schemes, logos, and fonts. With DITA, the content is separate from its presentation, enabling the same content to be presented in various branded styles without altering the underlying XML.

Accessibility Compliance

In government documentation, it is essential to meet accessibility standards, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Custom stylesheets in DITA help ensure that documents are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, by defining semantic structures and providing support for assistive technologies.

Example

The following is an example of DITA XML that would be transformed by a custom stylesheet:


<topic id="public-health-guidelines">
  <title>Public Health Guidelines</title>
  <body>
    <section>
      <title>Preventive Measures</title>
      <p>Guidelines to prevent the spread of illness.</p>
    </section>
    <section>
      <title>Treatment Options</title>
      <p>Recommended actions for those showing symptoms of illness.</p>
    </section>
  </body>
</topic>

This DITA XML content would be presented according to the government’s formatting standards once processed through the custom stylesheets. The output would reflect the required visual and accessibility standards, ensuring a consistent and compliant set of public health guidelines.