MathML in NIMAS

MathML is a markup language used to display equations and other mathematical expressions on the web and in other formats such as NIMAS. MathML 3 is the current version of this XML-based math markup language.

The availability of a viable and robust technical standard for the inclusion of mathematical content in K–12 instructional materials significantly facilitates the creation of valid XML files containing mathematical content. This will in turn will allow these files to be transformed into student-ready versions—such as digital text and braille—that are far more accessible to print-disabled students than image-based math files.

MathML in NIMAS is an application of the MathML in DAISY modular extension. The MathML module in DAISY details requirements for the use of MathML in a digital talking book (DTB), while the inclusion of the MathML module in NIMAS only refers to requirements relative to creation of XML source files that conform to DTBook DTD-Z39.86-2005 (and subsequent revisions). 

Note: Other aspects of the MathML in DAISY modular extension are not currently relevant to MathML in NIMAS.

The MathML in DAISY specification has not been updated since the release of MathML 3. The DAISY specification does indicate that the latest specifications of MathML should be used. Therefore, all NIMAS compliant files should be using MathML 3 as illustrated in our NIMAS and MathML Exemplar.

To include MathML in a NIMAS fileset: in the XML source file the DTBook DTD must be updated to include

• the MathML module
• the actual math content encoded in MathML

MathML in DAISY Structure Guidelines

The MathML in DAISY Structure Guidelines provides guidance on the correct application of MathML to the XML element set in DTBook, a key component of the ANSI/NISO Z39.86 Standard to which DAISY and NIMAS conform. The MathML in DAISY Structure Guidelines detail best practices in the application of MathML in the mark-up of instructional materials of the type commonly found in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educational curricula.

MathML, Fallback Images & Alt Text

For the purposes of NIMAS, the altimg attribute must be present on the <m:math> tag and include a reference to the fallback image. The alttext attribute must also be present. Alt text is not required for MathML in NIMAS; however, it is strongly recommended.