Model-driven generation of graphical maps for e-contents

In this paper we present the application of a model driven software development approach (MDSD) to the generation of graphical (interactive) maps. The approach is rooted on the Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF) and on a textual representation of the metamodel handled by the openArchitectureWare (oAW) suite of plug-ins. The metamodel represents our domain-specific language (DSL), which extends the concepts of e-Content organization defined in the Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA). While the usage of a textual representation is chosen to facilitate the task of the e-Content designer, graphical maps are introduced to enhance understanding and to improve the ability to acquire knowledge. The MDSD approach allowed us to hide into code generators all the details required to overcome the abstraction gap between the domain language and the implementation platform.