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Fractal Map XML Specification



The cornerstone of Fractal:Edge's flexible architecture is provided by the Fractal Map Project file format, which is used by all Fractal:Edge applications and components. At the heart of the project file is a highly configurable XML file that allows power users and developers to:
  • control a wide range of core Fractal Map and surrounding application settings in an advanced manner
  • leverage customized modules and application extensions created using the Fractal:SDK
The syntax required by this XML file is described fully in the Fractal Map XML Specification including:
  • advanced animation features to clarify changes in your data over time
  • keying and joining systems to integrate Fractal Maps with complex relational data sources
  • a complete logical and mathematical expression set
  • control of application menus and other look and feel settings
  • core COM class ID reference
From advanced data acquisition and representation to sophisticated mathematical modeling to creating a branded look and feel for your application instances, the Fractal Map XML Specification gives you the control you need through a simple, web services-like XML interface.
 

The Fractal Map shown to the right is a simple map of the Fractal:Edge website. Each circle represents a page in the site starting with the largest, outer circle representing the homepage. If there are further links from that page they will be shown as smaller circles within it.

Fractal Map with the homepage highlightedBy moving your mouse over a circle and "hovering" over it (by keeping the mouse still) for a short time, you will see labels appear to show you the titles of the page you are hovering over (at 12 o'clock) and the pages it is linked to.

Clicking on a circle opens the relevant page in your browser window.

Fractal Map with the homepage highlightedIn addition, the Fractal Map will show a "crumb trail" for the page you are viewing by highlighting the relevant circles in red. The smallest red circle represents the page you are viewing and any "parent" pages higher up in the website structure will also be highlighted red showing you the route you would take to reach the page. Note that the homepage itself is never coloured red in this way.

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About the Fractal Map