Re: [SVGMobile12] 2.1.5: SVG not appropriate for multi-namespace use

Chris Lilley wrote:
>> I request that the statement that SVG is appropriate for use in
>> multi-namespace environments in combination with languages such as XHTML
>> be removed or that the comments in [1] regarding unitless lengths be
>> addressed adequately.
> 
> We cannot accept to remove all wording on multi namespace use, since SVG
> demonstrably can be and is used in a multi namespace environment. In
> SVGT 1.1 the SVG, XLink,and XML namespaces are used; SVGT 1.2 adds the
> XML Events namespace. SVG has clear processing rues regarding content in
> other namespaces, such as in the Metadata element.
> 
> We do accept that the font shorthand has ambiguities if unitless lengths
> are used, but since that does not affect Tiny we do not see the
> relevance here; your comment has been carried forward to SVG Full 1.2
> where it is applicable.

In light of SVG Tiny 1.2's (almost complete) ban on the use of unit identifiers 
I think the unitless lengths issue is a VERY relevant topic at this point. 
Currently the only way to get consistent rendering across SVG implementations 
when dimensioning the properties in a graphic using user unit lengths is to 
explicitly specify a px unit. By disallowing the use of unit identifiers, the 
units issue will go from being a constant torn in SVG content developers' flesh 
to being a complete show stopper in terms of interoperability. So:

   <text font-size="10" ...>

is legal in Tiny implementations but illegal in CSS conforming, multi-namespace, 
Full implementations. Whereas the opposite is true for:

   <text font-size="10px" ...>

Please. This issue badly needs to be worked out, especially if unit identifiers 
will be banned in some versions of SVG.

Jonathan

Received on Tuesday, 3 January 2006 11:38:16 UTC