What strategies are used for ensuring consistency in terminology across aerospace documents in DITA?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

Ensuring consistency in terminology across aerospace documents in DITA is crucial for maintaining the quality and accuracy of the content. In aerospace, precise and standardized terminology is essential for safety and compliance. DITA provides several strategies to achieve this consistency.

Terminology Database: Organizations can create a central terminology database using DITA. This database, typically in the form of a DITA map, stores standardized terminology and abbreviations. Below is an example of a simplified DITA terminology database:

<!-- Example of a DITA Terminology Database -->
<map>
  <title>Aerospace Terminology Database</title>
  <topicref href="terminology/avionics.dita" navtitle="Avionics Terminology"/>
  <topicref href="terminology/materials.dita" navtitle="Materials Terminology"/>
  <topicref href="terminology/abbreviations.dita" navtitle="Common Abbreviations"/>
</map>

Each referenced topic (e.g., “avionics.dita”) can contain standardized terminology specific to that domain, ensuring that all documents referencing these terms will maintain consistency. Additionally, organizations can use conref or keyref mechanisms to reference these terms within their documents.

Style Guides: Aerospace organizations can develop style guides that include guidelines for using consistent terminology. These guides can be created as DITA topics and referenced in document maps. Below is an example of a DITA topic defining guidelines for terminology usage:

<!-- Example of a DITA Style Guide for Terminology -->
<topic id="terminology-guide">
  <title>Aerospace Terminology Style Guide</title>
  <body>
    <p>Use the following guidelines for consistent terminology in aerospace documentation:</p>
    <ul>
      <li>Always use the full form "Electronic Control Unit (ECU)" on the first mention, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. Use "ECU" in subsequent references.</li>
      <li>Materials such as composites should be referred to by their full names in technical descriptions.</li>
    </ul>
  </body>
</topic>

By adhering to these strategies and maintaining a central terminology database, aerospace organizations can ensure that their documents consistently use precise and accurate terminology, contributing to the overall quality and accuracy of their content.