Applications of topic maps in knowledge management systems

This paper gives a short overview not only of the basic concepts of topic maps, but also of the advanced concepts. This document discusses a metadata structure, which allows making a topic map persistent within a relational database. To make integrity checks within topic maps possible, several constraint mechanisms are introduced. Additionally, for building world-wide internet directory services, a multilanguage component is included. Finally, this paper deals with the advantages of topic maps for a conception and ongoing implementation of a knowledge management system in the legal domain.