Assigning Metadata to Edges

Metadata are structures that describe data. (See Chapter 33, Metadata) At first, each edge is displayed as a dashed line. Only after metadata has been created and assigned or propagated to the edge, the line becomes solid.

You can create metadata as shown in corresponding sections below; however, you can also double-click the empty (dashed) edge and select Create metadata from the menu, or link some existing external metadata file by selecting Link shared metadata.

Creating Metadata on an empty Edge

Figure 32.2. Creating Metadata on an empty Edge


You can also assign metadata to an edge by right-clicking the edge, choosing the Select metadata item from the context menu and selecting the desired metadata from the list.

Third way to add metadata to an edge is to drag a metadata's entry from the Outline onto the edge.

Assigning Metadata to an Edge

Figure 32.3. Assigning Metadata to an Edge


You can also select metadata to be automatically assigned to edges as you create them. You choose this by right-clicking on the edge tool in the Palette and then selecting the metadata you want, or none if you want to remove the selection.