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:
- Right-click on the topic and choose Edit Properties.... The
Edit Reference dialog is displayed.
- Select the appropriate value from the Collection type drop-down
list.
The Edit Reference dialog does not include the linking attribute. To add a
linking attribute:
- Right-click on the map icon in the DITA Maps Manager and select
Open Map in Editor. The map is opened in the editing area.
- You can add the linking attribute in Author mode by placing the caret on the topic reference
and pressing Alt+Enter, or you can edit it in Text mode by adding the attribute to the
appropriate reference element (a topic-ref element in most cases).