Chameleon also supports an XML format called Full Tree Validation. It is similar to the expanded format but differs in a very important respect. Whereas the expanded XML format performs a simple transformation of HL7 messages on a segment-by-segment basis, this translation mode follows a more sophisticated process.

Firstly, Chameleon's message identification logic is invoked and then the segment validation logic. The segment validation logic allows you to leverage Chameleon's ability to filter segments, ignore order, etc. It also results in the segments not just being represented as a flat tree, but grouped into a hierarchy that matches your HL7 segment grammar.

In short, the Full Tree Validation algorithm will convert all the segments that are presently in your segment grammar into XML. Note that this algorithm will not convert the segments in the Workspace to XML. To go through a step-by-step example, see Examining the Full Tree Validation Algorithm.

	If you want to convert an HL7 message into XML only, which does not conform to your segment grammar, consider using the Expanded XML Format. If you require XML that conforms to your segment grammar, Standard Version 2 or Full Tree Validation will suffice. Use the Import Unrecognized Segments window to import the standard HL7 message definitions. After a message is loaded, additional Z-segments can be defined and added to the messages. The resulting message definition file can then be loaded by a Chameleon engine instance to perform the translation.