The present invention relates to a method for the generation of a Sitemap XML file. The method comprises retrieving input parameter values and determining at least one target entity (an online retail store) within a target environment (a retailer) for which a search engine sitemap definition page will be generated and rendering the sitemap definition page for the determined target entity. The rendered content being further evaluated and ordered according to predetermined priority algorithms. The method further comprises outputting the rendered sitemap definition page, where if the output sitemap definition page exceeds a predetermined size, the output sitemap definition page is divided into smaller segments and an index file is generated and associated with the segmented output sitemap definition page files. Caching functionality (to enhance operational performance) and access control functionality (for controlling the rendering of sitemaps) is further provided within aspects of the present invention.