Tagging Structure Overview

Extensible Markup Language (XML ) is an international standard that provides a mechanism for defining and tagging elements of information within documents.  XML applications provide the necessary structure for exchanging information among various hardware platforms and software packages.

SpecsIntact uses a tagging scheme (a descriptive markup system) that separates and identifies the logical elements of the specifications.  Angle brackets are used as tag delimiters.  A tag open delimiter '<', and="" a="" tag="" close="" delimiter="" '="">', a keyword, and optional attribute information.  (e.g. ).  Most tagsSpecsIntact relies on tags to control content, and formatting, automate processes, and generate reports. These special markers, like <SEC> and </SEC>, define elements and attributes within the specifications. Some tags, like <Page />, function independently. In essence, tags are the building blocks of SpecsIntact documents have an beginning tag and an ending tag .

Tagging Structure Chart

Key elements of the Master-text SectionA set of files within the Division of a Master or Job that covers specific aspects of construction files are annotated with the SpecsIntact XML tagging scheme.  With beginning and ending Tags, the structure looks like this:

Tagging Basics

In the first line of every SpecsIntact file there are XML tags that point to the XML schema that tells the system to follow the rules of the Section document type for either a SpecsIntact Document (Division 00) or Section (Division 01 - 49) file.  Therefore, every file will follow the same rules.

For example, when you change the characteristic (margin, font, etc.) of a tag in one file you have changed it for every file that uses the XML Schema, which then updates the Document.ini or Section.ini files.

Each tag has its own structure.  Some tags can appear anywhere in the file but most tags can only appear embedded in other tags.  For instance, a Subpart tag (SPT) tag can only exist within a PART (PRT).  The rules that pertain to a tag can be found in the 'Rules' Section of the Initialization (.ini) file.  It is a good idea to always validate the document while you save; an invalidated document will work unpredictably in the SpecsIntact system.

See Section Format to better understand tag embedding.

Inserting tags

There are several ways to insert tags by either going to Insert > Tags, pressing the F4 key or simply clicking the tag from the SI Editor's Tagsbar.

• When adding text, you may choose to type the text in first then place the appropriate tags around the newly typed text or you may elect to insert the tags first and then type between the new tags.
  • If you choose type the text first, use the mouse or keystrokes to select the text then click the appropriate tag from the Tagsbar.
  • If you type new information that requires multiple tags, begin tagging from the perimeter and work inward.

Example: <TXT>Ten working days prior to commencement of work, complete and submit <SUB>Notification of Demolition and Renovation</SUB> froms to Federal and Stat authorities and Contracting Officers in Accordance with <RID>40 CFR 61-SUBPART M</RID>.  Complete paragraphs I, II, III.B, III.C (if applicable) IX, and XVI of form.  Copy of form is attached at end of this Section.</TXT>

In the example above, you would insert 1) Text (TXT) tag, 2) Submittal (SUB) tag and 3) Reference Identifier (RID) tag.  By inserting the TXT tags first, you will then be able to insert the SUB and RID tags without errors.

• • If you choose to insert the tags first click on the appropriate tag from the Tagsbar then place your cursor between the new tags, delete any instructions that may be present, and begin typing.

When using the Tagsbar to insert Reference Identifier (RID), Submittal (SUB) or Section Reference (SRF) tags, this action will launch either the Reference Wizard, Submittal Wizard or the Section Reference Wizard.

Removing Tags

There are several ways to remove a tag while editing with Revisions:

1. Place your cursor between the tags you wish to remove and select Edit > Remove tags or right-click and choose Remove Tags.
2. Or you can use the keyboard shortcut by placing your cursor between the tags you wish to remove and select Ctrl+M.