Changes for page SDMX 3.1 Standards. Section 1. Framework
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... ... @@ -54,15 +54,15 @@ 54 54 55 55 The 2.0 version of this standard represented a significant increase in scope, and also provided more complete support in those areas covered in the version 1.0 specification. Version 2.0 of this standard is backward-compatible with version 1.0, so that existing implementations can be easily migrated to conformance with version 2.0. 56 56 57 -The 2.1 version of this standard represents a set of changes resulting from several years of implementation experience with the 2.0 standard. The changes do not represent a major increase in scope or functionality, but do correct some bugs, and add functionalities in some cases. Major changes in [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] include a much stronger alignment of the XML Schemas with the Information Model, to emphasize inheritance and object-oriented features, and increased precision and flexibility in the attachment of metadata reports to specific objects in the [[SDMX Information Model>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX Information Model.WebHome]]. 57 +The 2.1 (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) of this standard represents a set of changes resulting from several years of implementation experience with the 2.0 standard. The changes do not represent a major increase in scope or functionality, but do correct some bugs, and add functionalities in some cases. Major changes in [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] include a much stronger alignment of the XML Schemas with the Information Model, to emphasize inheritance and object-oriented features, and increased precision and flexibility in the attachment of metadata reports to specific objects in the [[SDMX Information Model>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX Information Model.WebHome]]. 58 58 59 -The 3.0 version incorporates new features, improvements and changes arising from the collective knowledge gained from a decade of operating experience with the 2.1 standard. In pursuit of modernisation and simplification, features considered obsolete have been deprecated – in particular the EDI transmission format, the lesser-used XML data messages and the SOAP web services API. Many areas remain backwardly compatible with 2.1, but there are some breaking changes where the information model has been redesigned to better support practical use case. Structure mapping and [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] are examples. The opportunity has been taken to revise the RESTful web services API which is also not backwardly compatible, but benefits from a rationalisation and better organisations of resources, and a much richer data query URL syntax. 59 +The 3.0 (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) incorporates new features, improvements and changes arising from the collective knowledge gained from a decade of operating experience with the 2.1 standard. In pursuit of modernisation and simplification, features considered obsolete have been deprecated – in particular the EDI transmission format, the lesser-used XML data messages and the SOAP web services API. Many areas remain backwardly compatible with 2.1, but there are some breaking changes where the information model has been redesigned to better support practical use case. Structure mapping and [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] are examples. The opportunity has been taken to revise the RESTful web services API which is also not backwardly compatible, but benefits from a rationalisation and better organisations of resources, and a much richer data query URL syntax. 60 60 61 -The 3.1 version provides supports for data models to increase dimensionality over time without impacting existing data collections. The Data Constraint model was adjusted to separate concerns of data reporting and data dissemination. 61 +The 3.1 (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) provides supports for data models to increase dimensionality over time without impacting existing data collections. The Data (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)Constraint(%%) model was adjusted to separate concerns of data reporting and data dissemination. 62 62 63 63 == 2.1 Major Changes from 1.0 to 2.0 == 64 64 65 -* **[[Reference Metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]]**: In addition to describing and specifying data structures and formats (along with related [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]]), the version 2.0 specification also provides for the exchange of metadata which is distinct from the [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]] in the 1.0 version. This [[category>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Category.WebHome]] includes “reference” metadata (regarding data quality, methodology, and similar types – it can be configured by the user to include whatever concepts require reporting); metadata related to data provisioning ([[release calendar>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Release policy - release calendar.WebHome]] information, description of the data and metadata provided, etc.); and metadata relevant to the exchange of categorization schemes. 65 +* **[[Reference Metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]]**: In addition to describing and specifying data structures and formats (along with related [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]]), the (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 2.0 specification also provides for the exchange of metadata which is distinct from the [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]] in the 1.0 (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%). This [[category>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Category.WebHome]] includes “reference” metadata (regarding data quality, methodology, and similar types – it can be configured by the user to include whatever (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) require reporting); metadata related to data provisioning ([[release calendar>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Release policy - release calendar.WebHome]] information, description of the data and metadata provided, etc.); and metadata relevant to the exchange of categorization schemes. 66 66 * **[[SDMX Registry>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX Registry.WebHome]]**: Provision is made in the 2.0 standard for standard communication with registry services, to support a data-sharing model of statistical exchange. These services include registration of data and metadata, querying of registered data and metadata, and [[subscription>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Subscription.WebHome]]/[[notification>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Notification.WebHome]]. 67 67 ** **[[Structural Metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]]**: The support for exchange of statistical data and related [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]] has been expanded. Some support is provided for qualitative data; data cube structures are described; [[hierarchical code lists>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Hierarchical code list.WebHome]] are supported; relationships between data structures can be expressed, providing support for extensibility of data structures; and the description of functional dependencies within cubes are supported. 68 68 ... ... @@ -75,14 +75,14 @@ 75 75 * **Optimization for XML Technologies:** Implementation has shown that it is possible to better organize the XML schemas for use within common technology development tools which work with XML. These changes are primarily focused on leveraging the objectoriented features of W3C XML Schema to allow for easier processing of [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] data and metadata. 76 76 * **Consistency between the [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] and the [[SDMX Information Model>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX Information Model.WebHome]]: **Certain aspects of the XML schemas and UML model have been more closely aligned, to allow for easier comprehension of the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] model. 77 77 * **Technical Bugs:** Some minor technical bugs have been identified in the registry interfaces and elsewhere. These bugs have been addressed. 78 -* **Support for Non-Time-Series Data in the Generic Format: **One area which has been extended is the ability to express non-time-[[series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]] data as part of the generic data message. 79 -* **Simplification of the [[data structure definition>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]] - specific message types: **Both [[time series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]] (version 2.0 Compact) and non-[[time series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]] [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] (version 2.0 Cross Sectional) use the same underlying structure for a structure-specific formatted message, which is specific to the [[Data Structure Definition>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]] of the [[data set>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]]. 78 +* **Support for Non-Time-[[Series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]] Data in the Generic Format: **One area which has been extended is the ability to express non-time-[[series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]] data as part of the generic data message. 79 +* **Simplification of the [[data structure definition>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]] - specific message types: **Both [[time series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]] ((% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 2.0 Compact) and non-[[time series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]] [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] ((% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 2.0 Cross Sectional) use the same underlying structure for a structure-specific formatted message, which is specific to the [[Data Structure Definition>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]] of the [[data set>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]]. 80 80 * **Simplification and better support for the metadata structure: **New use cases have been reported and these are now supported by a re-modelled [[metadata structure definition>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Metadata structure definition.WebHome]]. 81 -* **Support for partial [[item schemes>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Item scheme.WebHome]] such as a [[code list>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Code list.WebHome]]: **The concept of a partial (subset) [[item scheme>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Item scheme.WebHome]] such as a partial [[code list>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Code list.WebHome]] for use in exchange scenarios has been introduced**.** 81 +* **Support for partial [[item schemes>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Item scheme.WebHome]] such as a [[code list>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Code list.WebHome]]: **The (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concept(%%) of a partial (subset) [[item scheme>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Item scheme.WebHome]] such as a partial [[code list>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Code list.WebHome]] for use in exchange scenarios has been introduced**.** 82 82 83 83 == 2.3 Major Changes from 2.1 to 3.0 == 84 84 85 -[[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] version 3.0 introduces new features, improvements and changes to the Standard in the following key areas: 85 +[[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 3.0 introduces new features, improvements and changes to the Standard in the following key areas: 86 86 87 87 (% class="wikigeneratedid" id="HInformationModel" %) 88 88 **Information Model** ... ... @@ -93,10 +93,10 @@ 93 93 * Support for [[code list>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Code list.WebHome]] extension and discriminated union of [[code lists>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Code list.WebHome]] 94 94 * Improvements to structure mapping 95 95 * Improvements to [[code>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Code.WebHome]] [[hierarchies>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Hierarchy.WebHome]] for data discovery 96 -* Improvements to [[constraints>>doc:sdmx:Glossary2\.1.Constraint.WebHome]]96 +* Improvements to (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)constraints 97 97 98 98 (% class="wikigeneratedid" id="HVersioningofStructuralMetadataArtefacts" %) 99 -**Versioning of Structural Metadata Artefacts** 99 +**Versioning of [[Structural Metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]] [[Artefacts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Artefact.WebHome]]** 100 100 101 101 Adoption of the three-number semantic versioning standard for [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]] [[artefacts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Artefact.WebHome]] ([[__https:~~/~~/semver.org__>>https://https:semver.org||rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"]]) 102 102 ... ... @@ -111,24 +111,24 @@ 111 111 (% class="wikigeneratedid" id="HSOAPWebServicesAPI" %) 112 112 **SOAP Web Services API** 113 113 114 -* The SOAP web services API has been deprecated with version 3.0 standardising on REST 114 +* The SOAP web services API has been deprecated with (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 3.0 standardising on REST 115 115 116 116 (% class="wikigeneratedid" id="HXML2CJSON2CCSVandEDITransmissionformats" %) 117 117 **XML, JSON, CSV and EDI Transmission formats** 118 118 119 -The [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]], [[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]] and [[SDMX-CSV>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-CSV.WebHome]] specifications have been extended and modified where needed to support the new features and changes such as [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] and microdata Obsolete [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] data message variants including Generic, Compact, Utility and Cross-sectional have been deprecated standardising on Structure Specific Data as the sole XML format for [[data exchange>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data exchange.WebHome]] The [[SDMX-EDI>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-EDI.WebHome]] transmission format for structures and data has been deprecated The organisation of structures into ‘collections’ in [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] and [[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]] structure messages has been flattened and simplified The option to reference structures in [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] and [[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]] messages using Agency, ID and Version has been deprecated with URN now exclusively used for all non-local referencing purpose 119 +The [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]], [[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]] and [[SDMX-CSV>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-CSV.WebHome]] specifications have been extended and modified where needed to support the new features and changes such as [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] and microdata Obsolete [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] data message variants including Generic, Compact, Utility and Cross-sectional have been deprecated standardising on Structure Specific Data as the sole XML format for [[data exchange>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data exchange.WebHome]] The [[SDMX-EDI>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-EDI.WebHome]] transmission format for structures and data has been deprecated The organisation of structures into ‘collections’ in [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] and [[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]] structure messages has been flattened and simplified The option to reference structures in [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] and [[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]] messages using Agency, ID and (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)Version(%%) has been deprecated with URN now exclusively used for all non-local referencing purpose 120 120 121 -Several of the changes are ‘breaking’ meaning that, in specific cases, the version 3.0 specification is not backwardly compatible with earlier versions of the Standard. 121 +Several of the changes are ‘breaking’ meaning that, in specific cases, the (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 3.0 specification is not backwardly compatible with earlier (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)versions(%%) of the Standard. 122 122 123 123 The principle breaking changes are: 124 124 125 125 * REST API – The REST API is not backwardly compatible due to modifications to the URLs and query parameters resulting in breaking changes in four of the five main resources. 126 -* SOAP API – Deprecation of the SOAP API means that existing systems designed to use SOAP will not work with version 3.0 registries. 127 -* [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] – [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] 2.1 and earlier structure, data and metadata XML messages are not valid in version 3.0. Specifically: legacy data messages including Generic, Compact and Utility are no longer supported. The remaining Structure Specific data message has been changed to support new features such as reporting of [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] as part of the [[dataset>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]], Structure messages have a number of breaking changes, principally modification to the information model, removal of the agency-version-id option for referencing [[artefacts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Artefact.WebHome]] and changes to the way the structures are organised into ‘collections’ within the message. 128 -* [[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]] – [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] 2.1 structure, data and metadata JSON messages are not valid in version 3.0. The data message has been changed to support the improved REST data queries, in particular the ability to retrieve in one operation data from multiple [[datasets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] with potentially different [[Data Structure Definitions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]]. Breaking changes similar to those for the [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] transmission format have been made to the structure message. 129 -* [[SDMX-CSV>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-CSV.WebHome]] - The CSV data and [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] messages are not backwardly compatible with those under version 2.1 due to changes to the structure of the messages needed to support new features such as the improved REST API data queries. 130 -* [[SDMX-EDI>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-EDI.WebHome]] – Deprecation of the EDI transmission format means that existing systems designed to send or receive structures or data in EDI will not work with version 3.0 registries. 131 -* Information Model – Several structures have been changed in the version 3.0 model and three removed. For these reasons the version 3.0 model is not directly compatible with version 2.1 or earlier, although conversion of specific [[artefacts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Artefact.WebHome]] is possible under some circumstances. Loss of information during the conversion process however means that in cases like structure mapping, the conversion is not reversible i.e. it is not possible to recreate the 2.1 structure once it has been converted to the 3.0 model. 126 +* SOAP API – Deprecation of the SOAP API means that existing systems designed to use SOAP will not work with (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 3.0 registries. 127 +* [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] – [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] 2.1 and earlier structure, data and metadata XML messages are not valid in (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 3.0. Specifically: legacy data messages including Generic, Compact and Utility are no longer supported. The remaining Structure Specific data message has been changed to support new features such as reporting of [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] as part of the [[dataset>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]], Structure messages have a number of breaking changes, principally modification to the information model, removal of the agency-(% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%)-id option for referencing [[artefacts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Artefact.WebHome]] and changes to the way the structures are organised into ‘collections’ within the message. 128 +* [[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]] – [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] 2.1 structure, data and metadata JSON messages are not valid in (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 3.0. The data message has been changed to support the improved REST data queries, in particular the ability to retrieve in one operation data from multiple [[datasets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] with potentially different [[Data Structure Definitions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]]. Breaking changes similar to those for the [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] transmission format have been made to the structure message. 129 +* [[SDMX-CSV>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-CSV.WebHome]] - The CSV data and [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] messages are not backwardly compatible with those under (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 2.1 due to changes to the structure of the messages needed to support new features such as the improved REST API data queries. 130 +* [[SDMX-EDI>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-EDI.WebHome]] – Deprecation of the EDI transmission format means that existing systems designed to send or receive structures or data in EDI will not work with (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 3.0 registries. 131 +* Information Model – Several structures have been changed in the (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 3.0 model and three removed. For these reasons the (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 3.0 model is not directly compatible with (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 2.1 or earlier, although conversion of specific [[artefacts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Artefact.WebHome]] is possible under some circumstances. Loss of information during the conversion process however means that in cases like structure mapping, the conversion is not reversible i.e. it is not possible to recreate the 2.1 structure once it has been converted to the 3.0 model. 132 132 133 133 The [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] 3.0 Major Changes document provides more information including an analysis of the breaking changes. 134 134 ... ... @@ -139,19 +139,19 @@ 139 139 140 140 * Addition of Dimension Constraint property to a Dataflow 141 141 * Addition of evolving structure property to a Data Structure Definition 142 -* Remove [[version>>doc:sdmx:Glossary2\.1.Version.WebHome]]property on Categorisation142 +* Remove version property on Categorisation 143 143 * Simplification of Constraints 144 144 ** Removal of Advanced Release Calendar 145 145 ** Removal of Role, Data Constraints only restrict data that can be reported 146 -** Restrict [[constraint>>doc:sdmx:Glossary2\.1.Constraint.WebHome]] targets to Identifiable structures (not URLs)146 +** Restrict constraint targets to Identifiable structures (not URLs) 147 147 ** Addition of Availability Constraint to define actual data 148 148 149 149 (% class="wikigeneratedid" id="HDocumentation" %) 150 150 **Documentation** 151 151 152 -* Registering [[Reference Metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary2\.1.Referencemetadata.WebHome]] removed from documentation, to align with XML Registration object which is unable to reference a Metadata Provision, and REST API which is unable to query for registered[[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]]sources.152 +* Registering Reference Metadata removed from documentation, to align with XML Registration object which is unable to reference a Metadata Provision, and REST API which is unable to query for registered reference metadata sources. 153 153 154 -The [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary2\.1.Statistical data andmetadata exchange.WebHome]] standards specified here are designed to support the requirements of all of these automation processes and technologies.154 +The SDMX standards specified here are designed to support the requirements of all of these automation processes and technologies. 155 155 156 156 = 3 Processes and Business Scope = 157 157 ... ... @@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ 159 159 160 160 [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] identifies three basic process patterns regarding the exchange of statistical data and metadata. These can be described as follows: 161 161 162 -1. //**Bilateral exchange**~:// All aspects of the exchange process are agreed between counterparties, including the mechanism for exchange of data and metadata, the formats, the frequency or schedule, and the mode used for communications regarding the exchange. This is perhaps the most common process pattern. 162 +1. //**[[Bilateral exchange>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Bilateral exchange.WebHome]]**~:// All aspects of the exchange process are agreed between counterparties, including the mechanism for exchange of data and metadata, the formats, the frequency or schedule, and the mode used for communications regarding the exchange. This is perhaps the most common process pattern. 163 163 1. //**Gateway exchange**~:// Gateway exchanges are an organized set of [[bilateral exchanges>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Bilateral exchange.WebHome]], in which several data and metadata collecting organizations or individuals agree to exchange the collected information with each other in a single, known format, and according to a single, known process. This pattern has the effect of reducing the burden of managing multiple [[bilateral exchanges>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Bilateral exchange.WebHome]] (in data and metadata collection) across the sharing organizations/individuals. This is also a very common process pattern in the statistical area, where communities of institutions agree on ways to gain efficiencies within the scope of their collective responsibilities. 164 164 1. //**Data-sharing exchange**~:// Open, freely available data formats and process patterns are known and standard. Thus, any organization or individual can use any counterparty’s data and metadata (assuming they are permitted access to it). This model requires no bilateral agreement, but only requires that data and metadata providers and consumers adhere to the standards. 165 165 ... ... @@ -176,11 +176,11 @@ 176 176 177 177 == 3.3 Statistical Data and Metadata == 178 178 179 -To avoid confusion about which "data" and "metadata" are the intended content of the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] formats specified here, a statement of scope is offered. Statistical "data" are sets of often numeric observations which typically have time associated with them. They are associated with a set of metadata values, representing specific concepts, which act as identifiers and descriptors of the data. These metadata values and concepts can be understood as the named [[dimensions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Dimension.WebHome]] of a multi-dimensional co-ordinate system, describing what is often called a "cube" of data. 179 +To avoid confusion about which "data" and "metadata" are the intended content of the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] formats specified here, a statement of scope is offered. Statistical "data" are sets of often numeric observations which typically have time associated with them. They are associated with a set of metadata values, representing specific (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%), which act as identifiers and descriptors of the data. These metadata values and (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) can be understood as the named [[dimensions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Dimension.WebHome]] of a multi-dimensional co-ordinate system, describing what is often called a "cube" of data. 180 180 181 181 [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] identifies a standard technique for modelling, expressing, and understanding the structure of this multi-dimensional "cube", allowing automated processing of data from a variety of sources. This approach is widely applicable across types of data and attempts to provide the simplest and most easily comprehensible technique that will support the exchange of this broad set of data and related metadata. 182 182 183 -The term "metadata" is very broad indeed. A distinction can be made between “structural” metadata – those concepts used in the description and identification of statistical data and metadata – and “reference” metadata – the larger set of concepts that describe and qualify statistical [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] and processing more generally, and which are often associated not with specific observations or [[series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]] of data, but with entire collections of data or even the institutions which provide that data. 183 +The term "metadata" is very broad indeed. A distinction can be made between “structural” metadata – those (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) used in the description and identification of statistical data and metadata – and “reference” metadata – the larger set of (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) that describe and qualify statistical [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] and processing more generally, and which are often associated not with specific observations or [[series>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Series.WebHome]] of data, but with entire collections of data or even the institutions which provide that data. 184 184 185 185 The [[SDMX Information Model>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX Information Model.WebHome]] provides for the structuring not only of data, but also of “reference” metadata. While these [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] structures exist independent of the data and its [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]], they are often linked. The [[SDMX Information Model>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX Information Model.WebHome]] provides for the attachment of [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] to any part of the data or [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]], as well as for the reporting and exchange of the [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] and its structural descriptions. This function of the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] standards supports many aspects of data quality initiatives, allowing as it does for the exchange of metadata in its broadest sense, of which quality-related metadata is a major part. 186 186 ... ... @@ -194,13 +194,13 @@ 194 194 195 195 This document specifies the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] standards designed to facilitate exchanges based on any of these process patterns, and shows how [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] offers advantages in all cases. It is possible to agree bilaterally to use a standard format (such as [[SDMX-ML>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-ML.WebHome]] or [[SDMX-JSON>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX-JSON.WebHome]]); it is possible for data senders in a gateway process to use a standard format for [[data exchange>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data exchange.WebHome]] with each other, or with any [[data providers>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data provider.WebHome]] who agree to do so; it is possible to agree to use the full set of [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] standards to support a common data-sharing process of exchange, whether based on an [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]]-conformant registry or some other architecture. 196 196 197 -The standards specified here specifically support a data-sharing process based on the use of central registry services. Registry services provide visibility into the data and metadata existing within the community, and support the access and use of this data and metadata by providing a set of triggers for automated processing. The data or metadata itself is not stored in a central registry – these services merely provide a useful set of metadata about the data (and additional metadata) in a known location, so that users/applications can easily locate and obtain whatever data and/or metadata is registered. The use of standards for all data, metadata, and the registry services themselves is ubiquitous, permitting a high level of automation within a data-sharing community. 197 +The standards specified here specifically support a data-sharing process based on the use of central registry services. Registry services provide visibility into the data and metadata existing within the community, and support the access and use of this data and metadata by providing a set of triggers for automated processing. The data or metadata itself is not stored in a central registry – these services merely provide a useful set of metadata about the data (and additional metadata) in a known location, so that users/applications can easily locate and obtain whatever data and/or metadata is registered. The use of standards for all data, metadata, and the registry services themselves is ubiquitous, permitting a high (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)level(%%) of automation within a data-sharing community. 198 198 199 199 It should be pointed out that these different process models are not mutually exclusive – a single system capable of expressing data and metadata in [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]]-conformant formats could support all three scenarios. Different standards may be applicable to different processes (for example, many registry services interfaces are used only in a data-sharing scenario) but all have a common basis in a shared information model. 200 200 201 201 In addition to looking at collection and reporting, it is also important to consider the dissemination of data. Data and metadata – no matter how they are exchanged between counterparties in the process of their development and creation – are all eventually supplied to an end user of some type. Often, this is through specific applications inside of institutions. But more and more frequently, data and metadata are also published on websites in various formats. The dissemination of data and its accompanying metadata on the web is a focus of the [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] standards. Standards for statistical data and metadata allow improvements in the publication of data – it becomes more easily possible to process a standard format once the data is obtained, and the data and metadata are linked together, making the comprehension and further processing of the data easier. 202 202 203 -In discussions of statistical data, there are many aspects of its dissemination which impact data quality: data discovery, ease of use, and [[timeliness>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Timeliness.WebHome]]. [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] standards provide support for all of these aspects of data dissemination. Standard data formats promote ease of use, and provide links to relevant metadata. The concept of registry services means that data and metadata can more easily be discovered. [[Timeliness>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Timeliness.WebHome]] is improved throughout the data lifecycle by increases in efficiency, promoted through the availability of metadata and ease of use. 203 +In discussions of statistical data, there are many aspects of its dissemination which impact data quality: data discovery, ease of use, and [[timeliness>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Timeliness.WebHome]]. [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] standards provide support for all of these aspects of data dissemination. Standard data formats promote ease of use, and provide links to relevant metadata. The (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concept(%%) of registry services means that data and metadata can more easily be discovered. [[Timeliness>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Timeliness.WebHome]] is improved throughout the data lifecycle by increases in efficiency, promoted through the availability of metadata and ease of use. 204 204 205 205 It is important to note that [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] is primarily focused on the //exchange// and //dissemination// of statistical data and metadata. There may also be many uses for the standard model and formats specified here in the context of internal processing of data that are not concerned with the exchange between organizations and users, however. It is felt that a clear, standard formatting of data and metadata for the purposes of exchange and dissemination can also facilitate internal processing by organizations and users, but this is not the focus of the specification. 206 206 ... ... @@ -210,17 +210,17 @@ 210 210 211 211 == 3.4 The SDMX View of Statistical Exchange == 212 212 213 -Version 1.0 of ISO/TS 17369 [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] covered statistical [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] and the metadata related to the structure of these [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]]. This scope was useful in supporting the different models of statistical exchange ([[bilateral exchange>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Bilateral exchange.WebHome]], gateway exchange, and data-sharing) but was not by itself sufficient to support them completely. Versions 2.0 and 2.1 provide a much more complete view of statistical exchange, so that an open data-sharing model can be fully supported, and other models of exchange can be more completely automated. In order to produce technical standards that will support this increased scope, the [[SDMX Information Model>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX Information Model.WebHome]] provides a broader set of formal objects which describe the actors, processes, and resources within statistical exchanges. 213 +(% style="color:#e74c3c" %)Version(%%) 1.0 of ISO/TS 17369 [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] covered statistical [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] and the metadata related to the structure of these [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]]. This scope was useful in supporting the different models of statistical exchange ([[bilateral exchange>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Bilateral exchange.WebHome]], gateway exchange, and data-sharing) but was not by itself sufficient to support them completely. (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)Versions(%%) 2.0 and 2.1 provide a much more complete view of statistical exchange, so that an open data-sharing model can be fully supported, and other models of exchange can be more completely automated. In order to produce technical standards that will support this increased scope, the [[SDMX Information Model>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.SDMX Information Model.WebHome]] provides a broader set of formal objects which describe the actors, processes, and resources within statistical exchanges. 214 214 215 215 It is important to understand the set of formal objects not only in a technical sense, but also in terms of what they represent in the real-world exchange of statistical data and metadata. 216 216 217 -The first version of [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] provided for [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] - specific statistical data reported according to a specific structure, for a specific time range - and for [[data structure definitions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]] - the metadata which describes the structure of statistical [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]]. These are important objects in statistical exchanges, and are retained and enhanced in the second version of the standards in a backward-compatible form. A related object in statistical exchanges is the "[[data flow>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Dataflow.WebHome]]" - this supports the concept of data reporting or dissemination on an ongoing basis. "[[Data flows>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Dataflow.WebHome]]" can be understood as [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] which are not bounded by time. Data structures are owned and maintained by agencies - in a similar fashion, [[data flows>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Dataflow.WebHome]] are owned by [[maintenance agencies>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Maintenance agency.WebHome]]. 217 +The first (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) of [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] provided for [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] - specific statistical data reported according to a specific structure, for a specific time range - and for [[data structure definitions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]] - the metadata which describes the structure of statistical [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]]. These are important objects in statistical exchanges, and are retained and enhanced in the second (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) of the standards in a backward-compatible form. A related object in statistical exchanges is the "[[data flow>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Dataflow.WebHome]]" - this supports the (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concept(%%) of data reporting or dissemination on an ongoing basis. "[[Data flows>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Dataflow.WebHome]]" can be understood as [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]] which are not bounded by time. Data structures are owned and maintained by agencies - in a similar fashion, [[data flows>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Dataflow.WebHome]] are owned by [[maintenance agencies>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Maintenance agency.WebHome]]. 218 218 219 -[[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] allows for the publication of statistical data (and the related [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]]) but also provided for the standard, systematic [[representation>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Representation.WebHome]] of [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]]. In version 2.1, [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] were reported independent of the statistical data. 219 +[[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] allows for the publication of statistical data (and the related [[structural metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Structural metadata.WebHome]]) but also provided for the standard, systematic [[representation>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Representation.WebHome]] of [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]]. In (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)version(%%) 2.1, [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] were reported independent of the statistical data. 220 220 221 221 However, in 3.0 [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] associated directly with data such as footnotes are reported as [[attributes>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Attribute.WebHome]] of the [[data set>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]]. For other [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]], principally that linked to structures like “(% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%)”, [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] provides reference "[[metadata sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Metadata set.WebHome]]", "[[metadata structure definitions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Metadata structure definition.WebHome]]", and "[[metadata flows>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Metadataflow.WebHome]]". These objects are very similar to [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]], [[data structure definitions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]], and [[data flows>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Dataflow.WebHome]], but concern [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] rather than statistical observations. In the same way that [[data providers>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data provider.WebHome]] may publish statistical data, they may also publish [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]]. Metadata structural definitions are maintained by agencies in a fashion similar to the way that agencies maintain [[data structure definitions>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data structure definition.WebHome]], the structural definitions of [[data sets>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data set.WebHome]]. 222 222 223 -The structural definitions of both data and [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] associate specific statistical [[concepts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary2\.1.Concept.WebHome]]with their [[representations>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Representation.WebHome]], whether textual, coded, etc. These[[concepts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary2\.1.Concept.WebHome]]are taken from a "[[concept scheme>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Concept scheme.WebHome]]" which is maintained by a specific agency. [[Concept schemes>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Concept scheme.WebHome]] group a set of[[concepts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary2\.1.Concept.WebHome]], provide their definitions and names, and allow for semantic relationships to be expressed, when some[[concepts>>doc:sdmx:Glossary2\.1.Concept.WebHome]]are specializations of others. It is possible for a single [[concept scheme>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Concept scheme.WebHome]] to be used both for data structures - key families - and for [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] structures.223 +The structural definitions of both data and [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] associate specific statistical (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) with their [[representations>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Representation.WebHome]], whether textual, coded, etc. These (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) are taken from a "[[concept scheme>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Concept scheme.WebHome]]" which is maintained by a specific agency. [[Concept schemes>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Concept scheme.WebHome]] group a set of (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%), provide their definitions and names, and allow for semantic relationships to be expressed, when some (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concepts(%%) are specializations of others. It is possible for a single [[concept scheme>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Concept scheme.WebHome]] to be used both for data structures - key families - and for [[reference metadata>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Reference metadata.WebHome]] structures. 224 224 225 225 Inherent in any statistical exchange – and in many dissemination activities – is a (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)concept(%%) of "service (% style="color:#e74c3c" %)level(%%) agreement", even if this is not formalized or made explicit. [[SDMX>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Statistical data and metadata exchange.WebHome]] incorporates this idea in objects termed "[[provision agreements>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Provision agreement.WebHome]]". [[Data providers>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data provider.WebHome]] may provide data to many different [[data flows>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Dataflow.WebHome]]. [[Data flows>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Dataflow.WebHome]] may incorporate data coming from more than one [[data provider>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data provider.WebHome]]. [[Provision agreements>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Provision agreement.WebHome]] are the objects which tell you which [[data providers>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Data provider.WebHome]] are supplying what data to which [[data flows>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Dataflow.WebHome]]. Similarly, metadata [[provision agreements>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Provision agreement.WebHome]] for [[metadata flows>>doc:sdmx:Glossary 2\.1.Metadataflow.WebHome]]. 226 226