The standard formats DINOShop uses to supply data on borings are ASCII text and XML. The XML files conform to a structure developed by TNO-NITG, which is based on open international standards like the POSC standard that originated in the oil and gas industry. This structure is laid out in a so-called Document Type Definition (DTD) and it pertains not only to the XML files released by DINOShop ; suppliers who deliver data in XML must also follow the DTD. DTD-validated XML files can be entered directly into the database.

Over time, DINO has acquired a huge store of data of all different types. Accordingly, we no longer talk about the DTD but, rather, a set of DTDs. This makes it easier to expand the database with other types of data. The set of DTDs for borings has been completed and is delivered as standard in every request for data, being included along in the Zip file. For the XML files and DTDs to function properly, the user must unzip them in the same directory.

In addition, TNO-NITG are working on so-called style sheets. These are instructional documents with which users can transform XML files into other document formats, such as a graphic display of a borehole that could be viewed on a Web browser. Another possibility covered is the transformation of XML files into PDF files. These PDF files are already formatted, so users can print them out immediately. These examples illustrate the great advantage of the XML format: from a single source document, the XML file, users can construct a variety of presentation forms.

Data suppliers and customers who are interested in the further development of DTDs or who want to participate, can contact TNO-NITG. That also applies, naturally, to anyone who has any questions or requests with regard to the style sheets being developed.

One of the places you can find a complete overview of XML is on the W3C Web site; this organisation is devoted to introducing and enforcing standards for Internet software. Information on XML parsers (see the page help with parsing XML files from DINOLoket) can be found at IBM, Oracle and Apache among other places. Anyone interested in learning more about DTDs can consult W3C and XML 101.