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Values with an associated unit of measurement?

• From: Tom Chmielenski <Tom.Chmielenski@b...>
• To: xml-dev@x...
• Date: Thu, 6 Jul 2000 13:38:10 -0400

Are there any XML initiatives out there that are currently working on
defining a standard way to represent a numerical value with an associated
unit of measurement?

For instance, suppose I wanted to represent a length of 6 inches.  It could
be represented it a number of ways, here are a few:

<Length>6 inches</Length>
<Length>6 <Units>inches</Units></Length>
<Length units="inches">6</Length>
<Length ref="urn://some.com/standard/units/#US.linear.in">6</Length>
<Length system="US" type="linear" units="inches">6</Length>

If no standard is emerging in this area, (and understanding that there is no
one 'right' way to model this data), how would one model this data such
that:
1.  Conversion of values could be preferred (by XSLT or an app), if
necessary.  Thus, 6 inches could also be represented as 0.5 feet, or 152.4
mm, etc. and still be equivalent.  (Where we do define the conversion
factors also?).  

2.   A standard way to define a unit of measurment is established.  Thus,
all possible combinations ["inches",  "in.", "in", "INCHES", etc.] of the
unit of measurement do not have to be defined.  

3.  A given value has the proper units attached.  Thus <Length>5 square
meters</Length> is invalid.

Seems like a similiar issue would occur with currency values (EURO, USD,
etc.).

Thanks in advance.
Tom

















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