Data: XML
[Part 6 of 12]


In this final part on data, we're going to look at the rise of modern text-based data formats, specifically XML and how to handle it. We'll look first at core XML and touch on some other data formats, before looking at styling and transforming XML, and, finally, dealing with XML in Java.


First, let's look at XML and text based formats more generally.


Screenshot: A slide from the powerpoint

XML and other text formats (powerpoint)

Further info:

 

JSON homepage and Wikipedia summary
GeoJSON homepage and Wikipedia summary
Java parsers for JSON from JSON.org and Oracle (Download).

 

SGML on Wikipedia
XML homepage and Wikipedia summary
GML and Wikipedia summary
DTD on Wikipedia and w3Schools
Schema on Wikipedia and w3Schools
Useful intro to XML namespaces on w3Schools


One of the advantages with XML is that it can be repurposed directly without alteration, through styling and transformations.


Further info:

GML to XML and SVG: Maria, S. and Tsoulos, L (2003) A holistic Approach of Map Composition Utilizing XML Proceedings of SVG Open 2003 Vancouver, Canada - July 13-18, 2003.

XML Notepad (see "tools").

w3Schools intros to xPath and XSL

Wikipedia intros to SOAP, RSS and geoRSS

Screenshot: A slide from the powerpoint

Styling and Transforming (powerpoint)


Finally, we'll look at processing XML in Java.


Screenshot: A slide from the powerpoint

Processing XML with Java (powerpoint)

Further info:

 

TrAX Intro 1 and TrAX Intro 2

StAX Intro

Processing XML with Java
XML and Java for Scientists/Engineers
The Java Web Services Tutorial


[Key ideas given in the associated practical]