The Collectio Markup Language ...
The following are just a few of the features implemented:
RelaxNG
RelaxNG is a more human readable and understandable schema language than, say DTD or XMLSchema. It also solves some contraints found in XMLSchema while keeping all the advantages of data typing.
Customization
Very flexible and - we dare say - easy customization using local RNG files which selectively switch on/off the available and necessary modules. Additional modules can be put on the net or stored at a local LAN or file system.
Modularization
The different aspects of the item's schema ߞ administrative data, technical data, descriptions &c. along with word lists, thesauri, classification schemata ߞ are kept in separate modules, making modifications or customizations easier.
Time-Line View
A shell-like enclosure of all data relating to definite time or period allows, during retrieval, a time-line view of each or all records' history. This allows to see the full context of a finding site, an excavation, or a historical collection.
Data Typing
Utmost flexibility for custom inventary numbering schemes, special technical data &c. is provided by using XMLSchema's rich data typing features.
Namespace
An own namespace (http://collectio.org/collectioML/) allows for easier incorporation in heterogenous data streams, especially when using publishing systems like Apache's Cocoon.
Word lists, Thesauri, Classification Schemata
By making them available in separate modules, even the most extensive word lists, thesauri, classification schemata can be related to, allowing to bind the system logic wholly to the RelaxNG schema (and de-coupling it from the data input system).
Identification by URN
Identifying the single items by URNs (in the form of an IRI) provides an easy way to express relationships between records ߞ e.g. part-of, similar-to, copy-of etc. The same URNs are used to express references between records and text documents.