Understanding context maps

A context map is one of the top-level maps that a topic is in. You designate one of these maps as the context map for that topic, and IXIASOFT CCMS Web uses the designated context map to resolve any values or references defined at the map level.

For example, if you have a topic that uses keys, CCMS Web uses the context map to resolve the values of these keys. Without the context map, any keys would not resolve properly. And you cannot add elements such as cross-references and conrefs without a context map.

Choosing a context map in CCMS Web

If a topic is in multiple maps, you can choose which map to designate as its context map. You can pick the context map when you edit the topic in CCMS Web.

In some cases, you can also change what context map to use. For example, you can change the context map set for a topic using the Details panel in Topic Editor. You can also set a context map using the Details panel if the topic does not have one.

No context map

Context maps are not automatically designated for all topics. Topics usually have a context map only when you are assigned to them, and topics can be assigned without a context map. However, you can always use the Details panel to designate a context map, and this does not require changing the assignments for the topic.

In some cases, topics cannot have context map. You cannot designate a context map for a topic that is not in any map. You must add a topic to at least one map before you can designate a context map for it.