The abstract element gml:AbstractGML is "any GML object having identity". It acts as the head of an XML Schema substitution group, which may include any element which is a GML feature, or other object, with identity. This is used as a variable in content models in GML core and application schemas. It is effectively an abstract superclass for all GML objects.
The attribute gml:id supports provision of a handle for the XML element representing a GML Object. Its use is mandatory for all GML objects. It is of XML type ID, so is constrained to be unique in the XML document within which it occurs.
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<element name="AbstractGML" type="gml:AbstractGMLType" abstract="true" substitutionGroup="gml:AbstractObject"><annotation><documentation>The abstract element gml:AbstractGML is "any GML object having identity". It acts as the head of an XML Schema substitution group, which may include any element which is a GML feature, or other object, with identity. This is used as a variable in content models in GML core and application schemas. It is effectively an abstract superclass for all GML objects.</documentation></annotation></element>