Representing polyhierarchical taxonomies in XML

["Paul Spencer" <paul.spencer@boynings.co.uk>]

The UK e-GMS metadata standard is a polyhierarchical taxonomy* in which an
item in the hierarchy can have more than one parent. What would people
consider the best way to represent this in XML? One option is DAML+OIL, but
I am not sure of the status of this and defer to those with greater
knowledge of representing taxonomies in XML.

My aim is to be able to navigate through the taxonomy, in particular, to
find the parent(s) of a known taxonomy item. However, I am sure there are
further applications in the taxonomy reconciliation work.

* see
http://www.govtalk.gov.uk/documents/Tomatoes%20are%20not%20the%20only%20frui
t%202002-12-19.doc

Regards

Paul Spencer
Director
Boynings Consulting Ltd
http://www.boynings.co.uk