Hierarchical Linking in DITA Maps

To create hierarchical linking between the topics in a DITA map, you set the appropriate value of the collection-type attribute on the map. See the DITA documentation for the meaning of each of the values of the collection-type attribute.

Note: The decision for when and how to create hierarchical links is made by the publishing scripts. The collection-type attribute does not force a particular style of linking. Rather, it declares what the nature of the relationship is between the topics. The publishing scripts use that information to decide how to link topics. Scripts for different types of media may make different decisions depending on what is appropriate for the media. You can provide additional instructions to the scripts using the linking attribute.

To add the collection-type to an item in a map:

  1. Right-click the topic and choose Edit Properties. The Edit Properties dialog box is displayed.
  2. In the Attributes tab, select the appropriate value from the Collection type drop-down list.
  3. You can use the Other attributes table to add a value to the linking attribute.