Using Topic Maps in Establishing Compatibility of Semantically Structured Hypertext Contents

Abstract

Considering the characteristics of hypertext systems and problems such as cognitive

overload and the disorientation of users, this project studies subject hypertext documents that have un- dergone conceptual structuring using facets for content representation and improvement of informa- tion retrieval during navigation. The main objective was to assess the possibility of the application of topic map technology for

automating the compatibilization process of these structures. For this purpose, two dissertations from the UFMG Information Science Post-Graduation Program were adopted as samples. Both dissertations had been duly analyzed and structured on the MHTX (Hypertextual Map) prototype database. The faceted structures of both dissertations, which had been represented in

conceptual maps, were then converted into topic maps. It was then possible to use the merge property of the topic maps to pro- mote the semantic interrelationship between the maps and, consequently, between the hypertextual information resources

proper. The merge results were then analyzed in the light of theories dealing with the compatibilization of languages developed

within the realm of information technology and librarianship from the 1960s on. The main goals accomplished were: (a) the de- tailed conceptualization of the merge process of the topic maps, considering the possible compatibilization levels and the appli- cability of this technology in the integration of faceted structures; and (b) the production of a detailed sequence of steps that

may be used in the implementation of topic maps based on faceted structures.