Creating a Large Topic Map by Integrating Wandora and Ontopia

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present conceptual and technical knowledge about creating a large topic map by integrating the strengths of two topic maps creation tools (i.e., Ontopia and Wandora). Design/methodology/approach - This study is focused on the testing of the usefulness of the two topic maps creation tools. Each tool is used to create a topic map with dozens of topics in order to find out the strengths and weaknesses of each tool and the interoperability of the two tools. Findings - When creating a large topic map, the developer may have many requirements of a desired topic maps creation tool, but may not be able to find a single tool that meets all the requirements. If multiple such tools implement the topic maps standard, there is some interoperability between the tools, and the developer may integrate these tools to meet the requirements. Practical implications - Although this paper presents the strengths, weakness, and interoperability of two topic maps creation tools (i.e., Ontopia and Wandora), our findings can be applied to integrating other topic maps creation tools if they implement the topic maps standard. The technical knowledge presented in the paper can also serve as a tutorial of creating a topic map.Originality/value - There is no published paper presenting the technical knowledge of how to integrate two topic map creation tools to create a large topic map.