From 5651355e39b791fe2994fc5d4be42ef68c9c01d8 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: civilx64 <26513472+civilx64@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2024 17:24:27 -0400
Subject: [PATCH] clarify non-normative checks in documentation

---
 docs/conf.py                     |  2 ++
 docs/user/validation_overview.md | 21 ++++++++++++++-------
 2 files changed, 16 insertions(+), 7 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/conf.py b/docs/conf.py
index 2773030..90cc0f7 100644
--- a/docs/conf.py
+++ b/docs/conf.py
@@ -29,3 +29,5 @@
 
 html_theme = 'sphinx_rtd_theme'
 html_static_path = ['_static']
+
+myst_links_external_new_tab = True
diff --git a/docs/user/validation_overview.md b/docs/user/validation_overview.md
index a55ee44..f39c10a 100644
--- a/docs/user/validation_overview.md
+++ b/docs/user/validation_overview.md
@@ -1,11 +1,14 @@
-# Understanding the steps of the validation process
+# Understanding the validation process
 
-## Syntax
+Given an IFC file, the Validation Service provides a judgement of conformity
+against the IFC standard - including schema and specification
+
+## STEP Syntax
 
 The first step in the validation process looks at the uploaded file to confirm that
 it is a valid STEP Physical File (SPF) in accordance with [ISO 10303-21](https://www.iso.org/standard/63141.html).
 
-## Schema
+## IFC Schema
 
 Schema validation consists of two parts:
 
@@ -40,7 +43,6 @@ There are two categories of normative checks:
 
 1. Implementer Agreements
 2. Informal Propositions
-3. Industry Practices
 
 ### Implementer Agreements
 
@@ -51,10 +53,15 @@ These are normative checks that have been ratified as official agreements amongs
 These are normative checks that have not been ratified as implementer agreements,
 but are still considered mandatory for a file to be considered valid.
 
+## Additional, Non-normative Checks
+
 ### Industry Practices
 
-These series of checks are different than the previous two in that they will only raise a warning and not be considered an error.
+This step involves checking the IFC file against common practices and sensible defaults.
+None of these checks render the IFC file invalid.
+Therefore, any issues identified result in warnings rather than errors.
 
-## bsDD Checks
+### buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD) Compliance
 
-These checks verify that all applicable buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bsDD) requirements are met.
+This step includes checking whether references to classifications and properties from bSDD
+found in an IFC file comply the source definitions in bSDD.