DPML

Definition

DPML is a proprietary development of Matthias Schleiff developed in collaboration with Andreas Lenz.

DPML stands for "Documentation Publisher's Markup Language" and is an XML-based markup language developed specifically for the creation of technical documentation.

Process of document creation

DPML was developed in accordance with state-of-the-art science and technology. It is commited to the concept of Single Source Publishing.

Following semantic principles, the documents are clearly and logically structured. The content of technical documentation is marked with unique and semantically distinct markup-elements. Defined sequences of elements increase the quality of documents. The right semantic structure – for instance of safety messages – is explicitly predefined by the DPML elements.

Adobe® FrameMaker® is used as XML-editor. This means that a WYSIWYG preview of the documents is possible at any given time.

The following figure shows the process of the document creation with DPML in a functional diagram:

File format

DPML is based on an XML file format in which the technical documents are stored. From this XML file format, different document variants (e.g. for different products) can easily be generated with the help of inhouse-developed XSLT processes. These document variants can be published for different media. At the moment the following file formats are possible:

• PDF – Portable Document Format
• HTML – Hypertext Markup Language
• CHM – Compiled HTML Help

The XML file format generated and used by DPML is a pure text format with an open specification. This enables the use of DPML independently from specific software.

Range of use

DPML is used for the creation of technical manuals and online help. We successfully implemented it in documentation projects for different clients of the following industries:

• Engineering and construction of rail vehicles
• Mechanical engineering and construction
• Plant engineering and contsruction
• Hardware and software engineering

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Note:
Brands, companies and/or product names are brands, companies and/or product names of the respective manufacturers and/or owners.