Knowledge Base Map Files

A knowledge base consists of a set of pre-defined queries called topics that users can include as search criteria in performing a search. These knowledge bases are read-only and consist of topics indexed using a topic outline file and the mktopics utility. For information about creating a topic outline file and using the mktopics utility to index topics, see the Verity Collection Building Guide.

Information Server can make multiple knowledge bases available to users via a knowledge (KBase) base map file. KBase map files also provide an easy way for you to make a set of knowledge bases available to all the users, by providing the users with the same KBase map file.

To make multiple knowledge bases available, create a KBase map file containing the paths of all desired knowledge bases. Note that relative paths in the KBase map file are relative to the location of the KBase map file.

Knowledge Base Search Path

The order of the knowledge bases in the KBase map file determines the search path. By default, the Topic engine searches through the knowledge bases in the KBase map file in reverse order. At this time you cannot override this default search behavior.

KBase Map File Syntax

A reference to the KBase map file syntax is provided below. Please note the following:

$control

 The $control:1 directive identifies the file as a Verity control file. The number 1 is a required argument, and it indicates the version number of the syntax contained in the file.

Syntax:

$control: 1

kbases

 The kbases keyword identifies a name for the set of knowledge bases.

Syntax:

kbases:

kb

 The kb keyword identifies the name and location of a single knowledge base to be made available. Multiple knowledge bases can be made available by making multiple kb keyword entries.

Syntax:



kb: name

  /kb_path = pathname 





Element


Description




kb:


A keyword that specifies the alias name for the knowledge base. The argument can consist of alphanumerics, hyphens (-), and underscores (_). Blank spaces ( ) and slashes (/) are not allowed.




/kb_path


This required modifier specifies the pathname to a knowledge base. If a relative path is used, the path is resolved relative to the location of the knowledge base map file.

Sample KBase Map File

 A sample KBase map file is shown below. It lists four knowledge bases: Corporate_Information, Verity_Products, Industry_and_Technology, Current_Events. Each knowledge bases consists of a set of topics prepared using the mktopics utility.



# Topic Library kbases.kbm

#

$control: 1

kbases:

{

    kb: "Corporate_Information"

        /kb-path = toplib/corpinfo

    kb: "Verity_Products"

        /kb-path = toplib/verity

    kb: "Industry_and_Technology"

        /kb-path = toplib/int

    kb: "Current_Events"

        /kb-path = toplib/ceve

}

$$



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