One or more embodiments of the invention provide a RedlineXML schema comprised of constraints that provide restrictions as to the elements and attributes that may be utilized to define a RedlineXML document. The RedlineXML schema is comprised of an Objects element, a Tags element, a BaseDocument element, and a MarkupPlanes element. The Objects element is comprised of any number of objects that may be utilized to redline or markup a base document. For example, the Objects element may contain Box, Circle, Spline, Polyline, Group, Arc,
Ellipse, Text, Note, Cloud, Callout, and / or Style elements. The BaseDocument element specifies the base document that is being marked up. The attributes of the BaseDocument element provide the information needed to recognize and parse the elements of a foreign
XML schema used to represent the type of base document being redlined or marked up. For example, if the BaseDocument element specifies an AutoCAD(R) drawing, URLs for the locations of the AcadDWG schema and the AutoCAD(R) drawing will be specified, as well as an identification of the
system required to parse the elements defined by the AcadDWG schema. To utilize the RedlineXML schema, a RedlineXML document that references the RedlineXML schema is obtained. A determination is made regarding whether the RedlineXML document complies with the constraints specified in the RedlineXML schema. If the document complies, the document is determined to be valid and is processed by a redline processor that is capable of reading the RedlineXML document and displaying the appropriate results. For example, the redline processor may comprise a
graphics program that reads the RedlineXML document and displays the specified redline objects on a base document retrieved from the location specified in the RedlineXML document.