1 Introduction to SVG

1.1 About SVG

This specification defines the features and syntax for Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG).

SVG is a language for describing two-dimensional graphics in XML. SVG allows for three types of graphic objects: vector graphic shapes (e.g., paths consisting of straight lines and curves), images and text. Graphical objects can be grouped, styled, transformed and composited into previously rendered objects. The feature set includes nested transformations, clipping paths, alpha masks, filter effects, template objects and extensibility.

SVG drawings can be dynamic and interactive. The Document Object Model (DOM) for SVG allows for straightforward and efficient vector graphics animation via scripting. A rich set of event handlers such as onmouseover and onclick can be assigned to any SVG graphical object. Because of its compatibility and leveraging of other Web standards, features like scripting can be done on HTML and SVG elements simultaneously within the same Web page.

1.2 SVG MIME Type

The MIME type for SVG will be "image/svg". The W3C will register this MIME type around the time which SVG is approved as a W3C Recommendation.

1.3 Compatibility with Other Standards Efforts

SVG leverages and integrates with other W3C specifications and standards efforts. By leveraging and conforming to other standards, SVG becomes more powerful and makes it easier for users to learn how to incorporate SVG into their Web sites.

Here are some of the ways which SVG fits in and conforms to other standards:

• SVG is an application of the XML 1.0 Recommendation
• SVG conforms to the XML Namespace Recommendation
• SVG is tracking and will conform with XLink and XPointer (once these specifications become Recommendations)
• SVG conforms to the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) level 2 Recommendation
• SVG conforms to the Document Object Model (DOM) level 1 Recommendation and is tracking the DOM level 2
• SVG utilises the switch and test concepts from the SMIL 1.0 Recommendation.
• SVG attempts to fit in with the HTML version 4 Recommendation, and is meant to work as a component grammar with future versions of HTML which are expressed in XML as a set of component XML grammars

Because SVG conforms to DOM, it will be scriptable just like HTML version 4 (sometimes called DHTML). This will allow a single scripting approach to be used simultaneously for both XML documents and SVG graphics. Thus, interactive and dynamic effects will be possible on multiple XML namespaces using the same set of scripts.

1.4 Terminology

Not yet written.