Changes for page SDMX 3.1 Standards. Section 1. Framework

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307	307	== 5.1 SDMX-ML ==
308	308
309		-[[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] is the XML transmission format specification for exchanging [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]], data and [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]], and interacting with [[SDMX registry>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX Registry.WebHome]] services. It is designed as a general-purpose format for all automation and data / metadata exchange tasks, and provides the most complete [[coverage>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Coverage.WebHome]].
310	310
	310	+SDMX-ML is the XML transmission format specification for exchanging structural metadata, data and reference metadata, and interacting with SDMX registry services. It is designed as a general-purpose format for all automation and data / metadata exchange tasks, and provides the most complete coverage.
	311	+
311	311	There are four distinct types of message:
312	312
313		-1. //**Structure Definition**~:// For the exchange of [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]]. A [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] structure message can carry details of any number and combination of [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]] [[artefacts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Artefact.WebHome]] like DSDs, [[code lists>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Code list.WebHome]] and (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)constraints(%%).
314		-1. //**Structure-specific Data**~:// For the exchange of data. This format is specific to the [[Data Structure Definitions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]] of the [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] (in other terms, it is [[DSD>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]]-specific) and is created by following mappings between the metadata constructs defined in the Structure Definition message and the technical specification of the format. It supports the exchange of large [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] in XML format, provides strict validation of conformance with the [[DSD>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]] using a generic XML parser, and supports the transmission of partial [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] ([[incremental updates>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Incremental update.WebHome]]) as well as whole [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]].
	314	+1. //**Structure Definition**~:// For the exchange of structural metadata. A SDMX-ML structure message can carry details of any number and combination of structural metadata artefacts like DSDs, code lists and constraints.
	315	+1. //**Structure-specific Data**~:// For the exchange of data. This format is specific to the Data Structure Definitions of the data sets (in other terms, it is DSD-specific) and is created by following mappings between the metadata constructs defined in the Structure Definition message and the technical specification of the format. It supports the exchange of large data sets in XML format, provides strict validation of conformance with the DSD using a generic XML parser, and supports the transmission of partial data sets (incremental updates) as well as whole data sets.
315	315
316	316	Many XML tools and technologies have expectations about the functions performed by an XML schema, one of which is a very direct relationship between the XML constructs described in the XML schema and the tagged data in the XML instance. Strong data typing is also considered normal, supporting full validation of the tagged data. These message types are designed to support validation and other expected XML schema functions.
317	317
318		-1. //**Generic Metadata**~:// For the exchange of [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] sets. ‘Generic’ means the XML elements and XML [[attributes>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Attribute.WebHome]] are the same regardless of the [[metadata set>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Metadata set.WebHome]].
319		-1. //**Registry**~:// All of the possible interactions with the [[SDMX registry>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX Registry.WebHome]] services are supported using [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] interfaces and REST API calls. Submission of [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]] content, data registrations and [[subscriptions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Subscription.WebHome]] is performed by a synchronous exchange of documents – a “request” message answered by a “response” message.
	319	+1. //**Generic Metadata**~:// For the exchange of reference metadata sets. ‘Generic’ means the XML elements and XML attributes are the same regardless of the metadata set.
	320	+1. //**Registry**~:// All of the possible interactions with the SDMX registry services are supported using SDMX-ML interfaces and REST API calls. Submission of structural metadata content, data registrations and subscriptions is performed by a synchronous exchange of documents – a “request” message answered by a “response” message.
320	320
321	321	== 5.2 SDMX-JSON ==
322	322
323		-[[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]] is the JSON transmission format specification for exchanging [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]], data and [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]]. It provides an alternative to [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] and is most suited to applications like web data dissemination.
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325		-[[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]] messages serve the same function as those of the XML formats but have a different structure. For data, an important distinction is that they carry both [[component>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Component.WebHome]] [[codes>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Code.WebHome]] and labels which provides all the information needed to display the content in a single JSON response. The XML Structure-specific Data format by contrast carries only [[code>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Code.WebHome]] IDs thus requiring applications obtain and hold [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]] about the [[data set>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] in order to display the content in human-readable form.
	325	+SDMX-JSON is the JSON transmission format specification for exchanging structural metadata, data and reference metadata. It provides an alternative to SDMX-ML and is most suited to applications like web data dissemination.
326	326
327		-[[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]] does not include messages for [[subscription>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Subscription.WebHome]] / [[notification>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Notification.WebHome]] or registration registry services - [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] must be used for those purposes.
	327	+SDMX-JSON messages serve the same function as those of the XML formats but have a different structure. For data, an important distinction is that they carry both component codes and labels which provides all the information needed to display the content in a single JSON response. The XML Structure-specific Data format by contrast carries only code IDs thus requiring applications obtain and hold structural metadata about the data set in order to display the content in human-readable form.
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	329	+SDMX-JSON does not include messages for subscription / notification or registration registry services - SDMX-ML must be used for those purposes.
	330	+
329	329	There are three distinct message types:
330	330
331		-1. //**Structure**~:// For the exchange [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]]. [[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]] structure messages follow the same principles as for [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] in that a single message can transmit any number and combination of [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]] [[artefacts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Artefact.WebHome]]. While the [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] and [[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]] messages are structured differently, it is possible to freely convert between them.
332		-1. //**Data**: //For the exchange of data. Unlike [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]], the structure of a [[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]] data message is not specific to the DSDs of the [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] so schema validation will not check for compliance of the data with the DSDs.
333		-1. //Metadata//: For the exchange of [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] sets.
	333	+1. //**Structure**~:// For the exchange structural metadata. SDMX-JSON structure messages follow the same principles as for SDMX-ML in that a single message can transmit any number and combination of structural metadata artefacts. While the SDMX-ML and SDMX-JSON messages are structured differently, it is possible to freely convert between them.
	334	+1. //**Data**: //For the exchange of data. Unlike SDMX-ML, the structure of a SDMX-JSON data message is not specific to the DSDs of the data sets so schema validation will not check for compliance of the data with the DSDs.
	335	+1. //Metadata//: For the exchange of reference metadata sets.
334	334
335	335	== 5.3 SDMX-CSV ==
336	336
337		-[[SDMX-CSV>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-CSV.WebHome]] is the CSV transmission format specification for exchanging data and [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] only.
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339		-[[SDMX-CSV>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-CSV.WebHome]] provides a simple columnar format for data and metadata that can be readily created and interpreted by standard software tools such as Microsoft Excel. Nevertheless, data and metadata can still be converted between the CSV and the JSON / XML formats without loss.
	340	+SDMX-CSV is the CSV transmission format specification for exchanging data and reference metadata only.
340	340
	342	+SDMX-CSV provides a simple columnar format for data and metadata that can be readily created and interpreted by standard software tools such as Microsoft Excel. Nevertheless, data and metadata can still be converted between the CSV and the JSON / XML formats without loss.
	343	+
341	341	There are two distinct message types:
342	342
343		-1. **//Data//**: For the exchange of data. Like [[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]], [[SDMX-CSV>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-CSV.WebHome]] can include both [[code>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Code.WebHome]] IDs and labels which is helpful when using the data to create human readable charts and dashboards.
344		-1. **//Metadata//**: For the exchange of [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] sets.
	346	+1. **//Data//**: For the exchange of data. Like SDMX-JSON, SDMX-CSV can include both code IDs and labels which is helpful when using the data to create human readable charts and dashboards.
	347	+1. **//Metadata//**: For the exchange of reference metadata sets.
345	345
346	346	== 5.4 Formats and Messages Deprecated in Version 3.0 ==
347	347
348		-The following formats and messages have been deprecated in (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 3.0 to simplify, modernise and rationalise the standard.
	351	+The following formats and messages have been deprecated in version 3.0 to simplify, modernise and rationalise the standard.
349	349
350		-* [[SDMX-EDI>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-EDI.WebHome]]
351		-* [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] 1.0/2.0 Generic (time-[[series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]]) data message
352		-* [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] 1.0/2.0 Compact (time-[[series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]]) data message
353		-* [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] 1.0/2.0 Utility (time-[[series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]]) data message
354		-* [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] 1.0/2.0 Cross-Sectional data message
355		-* [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] 2.1 Generic ([[Time Series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]]) data messages (for observations, time-[[series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]] and cross-sectional data)
356		-* [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] 2.1 Structure Specific [[Time Series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]] data message
	353	+* SDMX-EDI
	354	+* SDMX-ML 1.0/2.0 Generic (time-series) data message
	355	+* SDMX-ML 1.0/2.0 Compact (time-series) data message
	356	+* SDMX-ML 1.0/2.0 Utility (time-series) data message
	357	+* SDMX-ML 1.0/2.0 Cross-Sectional data message
	358	+* SDMX-ML 2.1 Generic (Time Series) data messages (for observations, time-series and cross-sectional data)
	359	+* SDMX-ML 2.1 Structure Specific Time Series data message
357	357
358		-The following messages were deprecated in (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 3.0 as a consequence of the deprecation of the SOAP web services:
	361	+The following messages were deprecated in version 3.0 as a consequence of the deprecation of the SOAP web services:
359	359
360		-* [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] Query messages
361		-* [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] Submit Structure Request messages
	363	+* SDMX-ML Query messages
	364	+* SDMX-ML Submit Structure Request messages
362	362
363	363	= 6 Dependencies on SDMX content-oriented guidelines =
364	364
365		-The technical standards proposed here are designed so that they can be used in conjunction with other [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] guidelines which are more closely tied to the content and semantics of statistical [[data exchange>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data exchange.WebHome]]. The [[SDMX Information Model>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX Information Model.WebHome]] works equally well with any statistical (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concept(%%), but to encourage interoperability, it is also necessary to standardize and harmonize the use of specific (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) and terminology. To achieve this goal, [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] creates and maintains guidelines for [[cross-domain concepts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Cross-domain concept.WebHome]], terminology, and structural definitions. There are three major parts to this effort.
	368	+The technical standards proposed here are designed so that they can be used in conjunction with other SDMX guidelines which are more closely tied to the content and semantics of statistical data exchange. The SDMX Information Model works equally well with any statistical concept, but to encourage interoperability, it is also necessary to standardize and harmonize the use of specific concepts and terminology. To achieve this goal, SDMX creates and maintains guidelines for cross-domain concepts, terminology, and structural definitions. There are three major parts to this effort.
366	366
367	367	== 6.1 Cross-Domain Concepts ==
368	368
369		-The [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] [[Cross-Domain Concepts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Cross-domain concept.WebHome]] is a content guideline concerning (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) which are used across [[statistical domains>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical subject-matter domain.WebHome]]. This list is expected to grow and to be subject to revision as [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] is used in a growing number of domains. The use of the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] [[Cross-Domain Concepts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Cross-domain concept.WebHome]], where appropriate, provides a framework to further promote interoperability among organisations using the technical standards presented here. The harmonization of statistical (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) includes not only the definitions of the (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%), and their names, but also, where appropriate, their [[representation>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Representation.WebHome]] with standard [[code lists>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Code list.WebHome]], and the role they play within [[data structure definitions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]] and [[metadata structure definitions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Metadata structure definition.WebHome]].
	372	+The SDMX Cross-Domain Concepts is a content guideline concerning concepts which are used across statistical domains. This list is expected to grow and to be subject to revision as SDMX is used in a growing number of domains. The use of the SDMX Cross-Domain Concepts, where appropriate, provides a framework to further promote interoperability among organisations using the technical standards presented here. The harmonization of statistical concepts includes not only the definitions of the concepts, and their names, but also, where appropriate, their representation with standard code lists, and the role they play within data structure definitions and metadata structure definitions.
370	370
371		-The intent of this guideline is two-fold: to provide a core set of (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) which can be used to structure statistical data and metadata, to promote interoperability between systems (“[[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]]”, as described above); and to promote the exchange of metadata more widely, with a set of harmonized (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concept(%%) names and definitions for other types of metadata (“[[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]]”, as defined above.)
	374	+The intent of this guideline is two-fold: to provide a core set of concepts which can be used to structure statistical data and metadata, to promote interoperability between systems (“structural metadata”, as described above); and to promote the exchange of metadata more widely, with a set of harmonized concept names and definitions for other types of metadata (“reference metadata”, as defined above.)
372	372
373	373	== 6.2 Metadata Common Vocabulary ==
374	374
375		-The Metadata Common Vocabulary is an [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] guideline which provides definition of terms to be used for the comparison and mapping of terminology found in [[data structure definitions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]] and in other aspects of statistical metadata management. Essentially, it provides ISOcompliant definitions for a wide range of statistical terms, which may be used directly, or against which other terminology systems may be (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)mapped(%%). This set of terms is inclusive of the terminology used within the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] Technical Standards.
	378	+The Metadata Common Vocabulary is an SDMX guideline which provides definition of terms to be used for the comparison and mapping of terminology found in data structure definitions and in other aspects of statistical metadata management. Essentially, it provides ISOcompliant definitions for a wide range of statistical terms, which may be used directly, or against which other terminology systems may be mapped. This set of terms is inclusive of the terminology used within the SDMX Technical Standards.
376	376
377		-The MCV provides definitions for terms on which the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] Cross-Domain Metadata (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)Concepts(%%) work is built.
	380	+The MCV provides definitions for terms on which the SDMX Cross-Domain Metadata Concepts work is built.
378	378
379	379	== 6.3 Statistical Subject-Matter Domains ==
380	380
381		-The [[Statistical Subject-Matter Domains>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical subject-matter domain.WebHome]] is a listing of the breadth of statistical information for the purposes of organizing widespread statistical exchange and categorization. It acts as a standard scheme against which the categorization schemes of various counterparties can be (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)mapped(%%), to facilitate interoperable data and metadata exchange. It serves another useful purpose, however, which is to allow an organization of corresponding “domain groups”, each of which could define standard [[data structure definitions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]], (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%), etc. within their domains. Such groups already exist within the international community. [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] would use the [[Statistical Subject-Matter Domains>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical subject-matter domain.WebHome]] list to facilitate the efforts of these groups to develop the kinds of content standards which could support the interoperation of [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]]-conformant technical systems within and across [[statistical domains>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical subject-matter domain.WebHome]]. The organisation of the content of such schemes is supported in [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] as a [[Category Scheme>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Category scheme.WebHome]].
	384	+The Statistical Subject-Matter Domains is a listing of the breadth of statistical information for the purposes of organizing widespread statistical exchange and categorization. It acts as a standard scheme against which the categorization schemes of various counterparties can be mapped, to facilitate interoperable data and metadata exchange. It serves another useful purpose, however, which is to allow an organization of corresponding “domain groups”, each of which could define standard data structure definitions, concepts, etc. within their domains. Such groups already exist within the international community. SDMX would use the Statistical Subject-Matter Domains list to facilitate the efforts of these groups to develop the kinds of content standards which could support the interoperation of SDMX-conformant technical systems within and across statistical domains. The organisation of the content of such schemes is supported in SDMX as a Category Scheme.
382	382
383		-[[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] [[Statistical Subject-Matter Domains>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical subject-matter domain.WebHome]] will be listed and maintained by the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] Initiative and will be subject to [[adjustment>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Adjustment.WebHome]].
	386	+SDMX Statistical Subject-Matter Domains will be listed and maintained by the SDMX Initiative and will be subject to adjustment.
384	384
385	385	== 6.4 SDMX Concept Roles ==
386	386
387		-These guidelines define the standard set of [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)Concept(%%) Roles and their use. This set of standard [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)Concepts(%%) are implemented as a [[cross-domain Concept>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Cross-domain concept.WebHome]] Scheme that defines the set of (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concept(%%) roles and gives examples on (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concept(%%) role implementation in [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] 2.0, 2.1 and 3.0. A (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concept(%%) role gives a particular context to a (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concept(%%) for easy and systematic interpretation by machine processing and visualization tools. For example, the (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) REPORTING_AREA and COUNTERPART_AREA are different (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) but they are both geographical characteristics, therefore they can be associated with the same (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concept(%%) role ID: "GEO". This allows visualization systems to interpret these (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) as geographical data in order to generate (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)maps(%%). The implementation of (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concept(%%) roles is different in (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)versions(%%) 2.0 and 2.1/3.0 of the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] technical standard. Specifically for [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] 3.0, this set of roles is considered a normative list that must be interpreted in the same way by all organisations. Additional roles may be provided via the standard roles’ mechanism in [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] 3.0, i.e., via [[Concept Schemes>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Concept scheme.WebHome]]; the semantics of these roles have to be agreed bilateraly in [[data exchanges>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data exchange.WebHome]]. The (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)Concept(%%) Roles are available as an [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] [[Concept Scheme>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Concept scheme.WebHome]] on the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] [[Global Registry>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Global registry.WebHome]].
	390	+These guidelines define the standard set of SDMX Concept Roles and their use. This set of standard SDMX Concepts are implemented as a cross-domain Concept Scheme that defines the set of concept roles and gives examples on concept role implementation in SDMX 2.0, 2.1 and 3.0. A concept role gives a particular context to a concept for easy and systematic interpretation by machine processing and visualization tools. For example, the concepts REPORTING_AREA and COUNTERPART_AREA are different concepts but they are both geographical characteristics, therefore they can be associated with the same concept role ID: "GEO". This allows visualization systems to interpret these concepts as geographical data in order to generate maps. The implementation of concept roles is different in versions 2.0 and 2.1/3.0 of the SDMX technical standard. Specifically for SDMX 3.0, this set of roles is considered a normative list that must be interpreted in the same way by all organisations. Additional roles may be provided via the standard roles’ mechanism in SDMX 3.0, i.e., via Concept Schemes; the semantics of these roles have to be agreed bilateraly in data exchanges. The Concept Roles are available as an SDMX Concept Scheme on the SDMX Global Registry.
388	388
389	389	= 7 Validation and Transformation Language =
390	390
391		-For many years the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] initiative has been fostering and supporting the development of a standard calculation [[language>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Language.WebHome]], called [[Validation and Transformation Language>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Validation and transformation language.WebHome]] ([[VTL>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Validation and transformation language.WebHome]]). A blueprint for defining calculations was already described in the original [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] 2.1 specifications (package 13 of the Information Model - “Transformations and Expressions”). It was just a basic framework that required further developments to became operational in order to achieve a calculation [[language>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Language.WebHome]] able to manipulate [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] [[artefacts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Artefact.WebHome]].
	394	+For many years the SDMX initiative has been fostering and supporting the development of a standard calculation language, called Validation and Transformation Language (VTL). A blueprint for defining calculations was already described in the original SDMX 2.1 specifications (package 13 of the Information Model - “Transformations and Expressions”). It was just a basic framework that required further developments to became operational in order to achieve a calculation language able to manipulate SDMX artefacts.
392	392
393		-These developments started in late 2012 and were put in charge of the [[Validation and Transformation Language>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Validation and transformation language.WebHome]] Task Force ([[VTL>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Validation and transformation language.WebHome]] TF), which included members of the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] Technical Working Group (TWG) and Statistical Working Group (SWG), besides experts coming from the DDI and GSIM communities. The intent was to define a standard [[language>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Language.WebHome]] to be implemented in [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] and applicable also to GSIM and DDI. This brought to the publication of the [[VTL>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Validation and transformation language.WebHome]] 1.0 in 2015. Then new requirements came from a number of proofs of (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) and tests of [[VTL>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Validation and transformation language.WebHome]] 1.0 made by several organisations and triggered a large improvement of the [[language>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Language.WebHome]]. A new provisional (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%), the [[VTL>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Validation and transformation language.WebHome]] 1.1, was released in public consultation in 2017. The high number of [[comments>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Comment.WebHome]] received triggered another phase of intensive work, with the main goal of achieving a more robust and forward compatible (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%). Finally, the [[VTL>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Validation and transformation language.WebHome]] 2.0 was published between April and July 2018 (see the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] website).
	396	+These developments started in late 2012 and were put in charge of the Validation and Transformation Language Task Force (VTL TF), which included members of the SDMX Technical Working Group (TWG) and Statistical Working Group (SWG), besides experts coming from the DDI and GSIM communities. The intent was to define a standard language to be implemented in SDMX and applicable also to GSIM and DDI. This brought to the publication of the VTL 1.0 in 2015. Then new requirements came from a number of proofs of concepts and tests of VTL 1.0 made by several organisations and triggered a large improvement of the language. A new provisional version, the VTL 1.1, was released in public consultation in 2017. The high number of comments received triggered another phase of intensive work, with the main goal of achieving a more robust and forward compatible version. Finally, the VTL 2.0 was published between April and July 2018 (see the SDMX website).
394	394
395		-The implementation of the [[VTL>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Validation and transformation language.WebHome]] 2.0 in [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] started in late 2018 and was published as an incremental revision to the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] 2.1 standards in July 2020. It allows users to write [[VTL>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Validation and transformation language.WebHome]] 2.0 programs for validating and transforming [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] data, to store these programs in a [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] metadata registry and to exchange them through [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] messages, also together the definition of the data structures of the involved data.
	398	+The implementation of the VTL 2.0 in SDMX started in late 2018 and was published as an incremental revision to the SDMX 2.1 standards in July 2020. It allows users to write VTL 2.0 programs for validating and transforming SDMX data, to store these programs in a SDMX metadata registry and to exchange them through SDMX messages, also together the definition of the data structures of the involved data.
396	396
397		-The Transformations and Expressions package for modelling [[VTL>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Validation and transformation language.WebHome]] programs in the [[SDMX information model>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX Information Model.WebHome]] is explained in Section 2 of the Technical Specifications with further detailed usage and implementation guidance given in Section 6.
	400	+The Transformations and Expressions package for modelling VTL programs in the SDMX information model is explained in Section 2 of the Technical Specifications with further detailed usage and implementation guidance given in Section 6.