Changes for page Standardising Reference Metadata Reporting in SDMX

Last modified by Artur K. on 2026/05/29 14:29

From 1.4 to 1.5

From version 1.1

edited by Helena K.
on 2026/01/15 16:35

Change comment: There is no comment for this version

To version 1.4

edited by Helena K.
on 2026/01/15 16:41

Change comment: There is no comment for this version

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@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@
  |**Define metadata for artefact types which are not a dataset**|Yes|No
  |**Relate/exchange metadata tightly with data**|No|Yes
  |**Use same SDMX tools as for data exchange**|No|Yes
--|**Reduce amount of artefacts to implement**|Maybe[[(% class="wikiinternallink wikiinternallink wikiinternallink" %)^^~[3~]^^>>path:#_ftn3]]|Yes
++|**Reduce amount of artefacts to implement**|Maybe[[(% class="wikiinternallink wikiinternallink wikiinternallink wikiinternallink" %)^^~[3~]^^>>path:#_ftn3]]|Yes
  Table 1: Advantages of implementing reference metadata exchange using DSDs or MSDs
@@ -134,10 +134,10 @@
 . Create a mapping between the agency's existing metadata concepts and the Global MCS, or MSD derived from it. This mapping is an SDMX Structure Set (which is used to map concepts and codes in different structures) and is stored and shared in the agency's SDMX registry;
 . create or adopt a system component that acts as a proxy to the existing agency's metadata component. The component does the following:
--11. takes input from the agency's metadata component (the agency's metadata XML);
--11. **transforms** the input XML to SDMX (the agency's metadata framework);
--11. **transcodes** the SDMX by applying the mapping created in step 1. The result is an SDMX metadata message that matches the Global MCS, or MSD;
--11. outputs the resulting SDMX with an SDMX web service
++1*. a. takes input from the agency's metadata component (the agency's metadata XML);
++1*. b. **transforms** the input XML to SDMX (the agency's metadata framework);
++1*. c. **transcodes** the SDMX by applying the mapping created in step 1. The result is an SDMX metadata message that matches the Global MCS, or MSD;
++1*. d. outputs the resulting SDMX with an SDMX web service
  Later work could be considered for further efficiency gains:
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@
  = MAINTENANCE OF THE GLOBAL METADATA CONCEPT SCHEME =
--The concepts in the Global MCS are a subset of the concepts in the SDMX Glossary[[(% class="wikiinternallink wikiinternallink wikiinternallink" %)^^~[4~]^^>>path:#_ftn4]](%%) (which defines the entire cross-domain concept scheme). Therefore, changes or additions to reference metadata concepts in the SDMX Glossary will result in a revision to the Global MCS. Conversely, requests to change the Global MCS will be considered in future revisions of the SDMX Glossary.
++The concepts in the Global MCS are a subset of the concepts in the SDMX Glossary[[(% class="wikiinternallink wikiinternallink wikiinternallink wikiinternallink" %)^^~[4~]^^>>path:#_ftn4]](%%) (which defines the entire cross-domain concept scheme). Therefore, changes or additions to reference metadata concepts in the SDMX Glossary will result in a revision to the Global MCS. Conversely, requests to change the Global MCS will be considered in future revisions of the SDMX Glossary.
  Requests to extend the Global MCS or change this guideline should be sent to the SDMX Statistical Working Group (swg@sdmx.org).
@@ -179,13 +179,12 @@
 . (in an MSD) the associated SDMX artefact type, e.g. Dataset; Dataflow; Provision agreement;
 . the associated “level” within the artefact, e.g. for a Dataset: Dataset; Series; Observation.
--
--
  These are some example attachments, others are possible:
--         the “Contact” concept may be attached to a Dataset artefact at the Dataset level;              the “Adjustment” concept may be attached to a Dataset artefact at the Series level;          the “Statistical population” concept may be attached to a Codelist artefact.
++* the “Contact” concept may be attached to a Dataset artefact at the Dataset level;
++* the “Adjustment” concept may be attached to a Dataset artefact at the Series level;
++* the “Statistical population” concept may be attached to a Codelist artefact.
--
  This version of the proposal does not include an attachment recommendation for each concept. Recommended attachments may be provided in a future version of this guideline based on the feedback and forthcoming implementations. If you have any questions on how to attach reference metadata, please contact the SDMX Statistical Working Group (swg@sdmx.org).
  == List of Reference Metadata Concepts ==
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@
  //Example usage: if an organisation receives data from a member agency and publishes it, the “Contact organisation” concept would usually be the publishing organisation.//
  )))|CONTACT_ORGANISATION
--|**Contact organisation unit**|Addressable       subdivision         of           an organisation.|ORGANISATION_UNIT
++|**Contact organisation unit**|Addressable subdivision of an organisation.|ORGANISATION_UNIT
  |**Contact person function**|(((
  Area of technical responsibility of the contact, such as “methodology”, “database management” or
@@ -234,12 +234,10 @@
  )))|CONTACT_FUNCT
  |**Contact phone number**|Telephone number of the contact points for the data or metadata.|CONTACT_PHONE
--
--
  === LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT ===
--|**Name**|**Definition**|**Concept ID**
--|**Institutional mandate**|(((
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Name**|(% style="width:1392px" %)**Definition**|(% style="width:264px" %)**Concept ID**
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Institutional mandate**|(% style="width:1392px" %)(((
  Set of rules or other formal set of instructions assigning responsibility as well as the authority to an organisation for the collection, processing, and dissemination of statistics.
  //Recommended usage. Use~://
@@ -246,43 +246,33 @@
  * //either the summary “Institutional mandate” concept but not the granular “Institutional mandate xxx” concepts,//
  * //or the granular “Institutional mandate xxx” concepts but not the “Institutional mandate” concept.//
--)))|INST_MANDATE
--|**Institutional mandate – data sharing**|Arrangements or procedures for data sharing and coordination between data producing agencies.|INST_MAN_SHAR
--|**Institutional mandate - legal acts and other agreements**|Legal acts or other formal or informal agreements that assign responsibility as well as the authority to an Agency for the collection, processing, and dissemination of statistics.|INST_MAN_LA_OA
--|**Confidentiality**|(((
++)))|(% style="width:264px" %)INST_MANDATE
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Institutional mandate – data sharing**|(% style="width:1392px" %)Arrangements or procedures for data sharing and coordination between data producing agencies.|(% style="width:264px" %)INST_MAN_SHAR
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Institutional mandate – legal acts and other agreements**|(% style="width:1392px" %)Legal acts or other formal or informal agreements that assign responsibility as well as the authority to an Agency for the collection, processing, and dissemination of statistics.|(% style="width:264px" %)INST_MAN_LA_OA
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Confidentiality**|(% style="width:1392px" %)(((
  Property of data indicating whether they are subject to dissemination restrictions.
  //Recommended usage. Use~://
--* //either the summary “Confidentiality” concept but not the granular//
--
--//“Confidentiality xxx” concepts,//
--
++* //either the summary “Confidentiality” concept but not the granular “Confidentiality xxx” concepts,//
  * //or the granular “Confidentiality xxx” concepts but not the “Confidentiality” concept.//
--)))|CONF
--|**Confidentiality - data treatment**|Rules applied for treating the Data Set to ensure that private information from individual units cannot be accessed and to prevent unauthorised disclosure.|CONF_DATA_TR
--|**Confidentiality - policy**|Legislative measures or other formal procedures which prevent unauthorised disclosure of data that identify a person or economic entity either directly or indirectly.|CONF_POLICY
--
--
--
--|**Name**|**Definition**|**Concept ID**
--|**Professionalism**|(((
++)))|(% style="width:264px" %)CONF
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Confidentiality - data treatment**|(% style="width:1392px" %)Rules applied for treating the Data Set to ensure that private information from individual units cannot be accessed and to prevent unauthorised disclosure.|(% style="width:264px" %)CONF_DATA_TR
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Confidentiality - policy**|(% style="width:1392px" %)Legislative measures or other formal procedures which prevent unauthorised disclosure of data that identify a person or economic entity either directly or indirectly.|(% style="width:264px" %)CONF_POLICY
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Professionalism**|(% style="width:1392px" %)(((
  Standard, skill and ability suitable for producing statistics of good quality.
  //Recommended usage. Use~://
--* //either the summary “Professionalism” concept but not the granular//
--
--//“Professionalism xxx” concepts,//
--
++* //either the summary “Professionalism” concept but not the granular “Professionalism xxx” concepts,//
  * //or the granular “Professionalism xxx” concepts but not the “Professionalism” concept.//
--)))|PROF
--|**Professionalism - code of conduct**|Provisions for assuring the qualifications of staff and allowing staff to perform their functions without intervention motivated by non-statistical objectives.|PROF_COND
--|**Professionalism - impartiality**|Elements providing assurances that statistics are developed, produced and disseminated in a neutral (impartial) manner, and that all users are given equal treatment.|PROF_IMP
--|**Professionalism - methodology**|Elements providing assurances that the choices of sources and statistical techniques as well as decisions about dissemination are informed solely by statistical considerations.|PROF_METH
--|**Professionalism - statistical commentary**|Elements providing assurances that the statistical entity is entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics.|PROF_STAT_COM
--|**Name**|**Definition**|**Concept ID**
--|**Cost and burden**|(((
++)))|(% style="width:264px" %)PROF
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Professionalism - code of conduct**|(% style="width:1392px" %)Provisions for assuring the qualifications of staff and allowing staff to perform their functions without intervention motivated by non-statistical objectives.|(% style="width:264px" %)PROF_COND
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Professionalism - impartiality**|(% style="width:1392px" %)Elements providing assurances that statistics are developed, produced and disseminated in a neutral (impartial) manner, and that all users are given equal treatment.|(% style="width:264px" %)PROF_IMP
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Professionalism - methodology**|(% style="width:1392px" %)Elements providing assurances that the choices of sources and statistical techniques as well as decisions about dissemination are informed solely by statistical considerations.|(% style="width:264px" %)PROF_METH
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Professionalism - statistical commentary**|(% style="width:1392px" %)Elements providing assurances that the statistical entity is entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics.|(% style="width:264px" %)PROF_STAT_COM
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Name**|(% style="width:1392px" %)**Definition**|(% style="width:264px" %)**Concept ID**
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Cost and burden**|(% style="width:1392px" %)(((
  Cost associated with the collection and production of a statistical product, as well as the burden imposed on respondents.
  //Recommended usage. Use~://
@@ -289,16 +289,16 @@
  * //either the summary “Cost and burden” concept but not the granular “Cost and burden xxx” concepts,//
  * //or the granular “Cost and burden xxx” concepts but not the “Cost and burden” concept.//
--)))|COST_BURDEN
--|**Cost and burden - efficiency management**|Cost-benefit analysis, effectiveness of execution of medium term statistical programmes, and ensuring efficient use of resources.|COST_BURDEN_EFF
--|**Cost and burden – resources**|Metadata element providing assurances that staff, facilities, computing resources, and financing to undertake statistical production are commensurate with statistical programs.|COST_BURDEN_RES
++)))|(% style="width:264px" %)COST_BURDEN
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Cost and burden - efficiency management**|(% style="width:1392px" %)Cost-benefit analysis, effectiveness of execution of medium term statistical programmes, and ensuring efficient use of resources.|(% style="width:264px" %)COST_BURDEN_EFF
++|(% style="width:417px" %)**Cost and burden – resources**|(% style="width:1392px" %)Metadata element providing assurances that staff, facilities, computing resources, and financing to undertake statistical production are commensurate with statistical programs.|(% style="width:264px" %)COST_BURDEN_RES
  === SCOPE ===
--|**Name**|**Definition**|**Concept ID**
--|**Statistical population**|Total membership or population or “universe” of a defined class of people, objects or events.|STAT_POP
--|**Reference area**|Country or geographic area to which the measured statistical phenomenon relates.|REF_AREA
--|**Coverage**|(((
++|(% style="width:416px" %)**Name**|(% style="width:1394px" %)**Definition**|**Concept ID**
++|(% style="width:416px" %)**Statistical population**|(% style="width:1394px" %)Total membership or population or “universe” of a defined class of people, objects or events.|STAT_POP
++|(% style="width:416px" %)**Reference area**|(% style="width:1394px" %)Country or geographic area to which the measured statistical phenomenon relates.|REF_AREA
++|(% style="width:416px" %)**Coverage**|(% style="width:1394px" %)(((
  Definition of the scope of the data compiled.
  //Recommended usage. Use~://
@@ -306,44 +306,44 @@
  * //either the summary “Coverage” concept but not the granular “xxx coverage” concepts and/or “Economic sector” concept,//
  * //or the granular “xxx coverage” concepts and/or “Economic sector” but not the “Coverage” concept.//
  )))|COVERAGE
--|**Name**|**Definition**|**Concept ID**
--|**Geographical coverage**|(((
++|(% style="width:416px" %)**Name**|(% style="width:1394px" %)**Definition**|**Concept ID**
++|(% style="width:416px" %)**Geographical coverage**|(% style="width:1394px" %)(((
  Characterisation of the statistical units according to geographical criteria.
  //Example usage: May exclude small parts of the national territory amounting to no more than 2% of the national population and the national territories.//
  )))|COVERAGE_GEO
--|**Population coverage**|Definition of the main types of population covered by the statistics.|COVERAGE_POP
--|**Sector coverage**|Sector(s) covered by the statistics.|COVERAGE_SECTOR
--|**Economic sector**|High-level grouping of economic activities based on the types of goods and services produced.|ECO_SECTOR
--|**Time coverage**|Period of time for which data are provided.|COVERAGE_TIME
++|(% style="width:416px" %)**Population coverage**|(% style="width:1394px" %)Definition of the main types of population covered by the statistics.|COVERAGE_POP
++|(% style="width:416px" %)**Sector coverage**|(% style="width:1394px" %)Sector(s) covered by the statistics.|COVERAGE_SECTOR
++|(% style="width:416px" %)**Economic sector**|(% style="width:1394px" %)High-level grouping of economic activities based on the types of goods and services produced.|ECO_SECTOR
++|(% style="width:416px" %)**Time coverage**|(% style="width:1394px" %)Period of time for which data are provided.|COVERAGE_TIME
  === METHODOLOGICAL INFORMATION ===
  **//Data presentation//**
--|**Name**|**Definition**|**Concept ID**
--|**Data description**|Metadata element describing the main characteristics of the Data Set in an easily understandable manner, referring to the main data and indicators disseminated.|DATA_DESCR
++|(% style="width:411px" %)**Name**|(% style="width:1399px" %)**Definition**|(% style="width:263px" %)**Concept ID**
++|(% style="width:411px" %)**Data description**|(% style="width:1399px" %)Metadata element describing the main characteristics of the Data Set in an easily understandable manner, referring to the main data and indicators disseminated.|(% style="width:263px" %)DATA_DESCR
  **//Other Methodological Information//**
--|**Name**|**Definition**|**Concept ID**
--|**Source data type**|Characteristics and components of the raw statistical data used for compiling statistical aggregates.|SOURCE_TYPE
--|**Data collection method**|Method applied for gathering data for official statistics.|COLL_METHOD
--|**Reference period**|Timespan or point in time to which the measured observation is intended to refer.|REF_PERIOD
--|**Base period**|Period of time used as the base of an index number, or to which a constant series refers.|BASE_PER
++|(% style="width:408px" %)**Name**|(% style="width:1403px" %)**Definition**|(% style="width:261px" %)**Concept ID**
++|(% style="width:408px" %)**Source data type**|(% style="width:1403px" %)Characteristics and components of the raw statistical data used for compiling statistical aggregates.|(% style="width:261px" %)SOURCE_TYPE
++|(% style="width:408px" %)**Data collection method**|(% style="width:1403px" %)Method applied for gathering data for official statistics.|(% style="width:261px" %)COLL_METHOD
++|(% style="width:408px" %)**Reference period**|(% style="width:1403px" %)Timespan or point in time to which the measured observation is intended to refer.|(% style="width:261px" %)REF_PERIOD
++|(% style="width:408px" %)**Base period**|(% style="width:1403px" %)Period of time used as the base of an index number, or to which a constant series refers.|(% style="width:261px" %)BASE_PER
--|**Name**|**Definition**|**Concept ID**
--|**Base weight**|Weights of a weighting system for an index number computed according to the information relating to the base period instead, for example, of the current period.|BASE_WEIGHT
--|**Frequency of observation**|Time interval at which observations occur over a given time period.|FREQ
--|**Frequency of data collection**|Time interval at which the source data are collected.|FREQ_COLL
--|**Classification system**|Metadata element used to a) list the classification(s) being used for a given Data Set or set of Data Sets, and b) describe how these conform to internationally agreed standards, guidelines, or good practices.|CLASS_SYSTEM
--|**Statistical concepts and definitions**|Definitions and descriptions of the main variables provided.|STAT_CONC_DEF
--|**Statistical unit**|Entity for which information is sought and for which statistics are ultimately compiled.|STAT_UNIT
--|**Unit of measure**|Unit       in which               the         data values                are expressed.|UNIT_MEASURE
--|**Accounting conventions**|Practical procedures, standards and other aspects used when compiling data from diverse sources under a common methodological framework.|ACC_CONV
--|**Valuation**|Definition of the price per unit, for goods and services flows and asset stocks.|VALUATION
++|(% style="width:411px" %)**Name**|(% style="width:1401px" %)**Definition**|(% style="width:260px" %)**Concept ID**
++|(% style="width:411px" %)**Base weight**|(% style="width:1401px" %)Weights of a weighting system for an index number computed according to the information relating to the base period instead, for example, of the current period.|(% style="width:260px" %)BASE_WEIGHT
++|(% style="width:411px" %)**Frequency of observation**|(% style="width:1401px" %)Time interval at which observations occur over a given time period.|(% style="width:260px" %)FREQ
++|(% style="width:411px" %)**Frequency of data collection**|(% style="width:1401px" %)Time interval at which the source data are collected.|(% style="width:260px" %)FREQ_COLL
++|(% style="width:411px" %)**Classification system**|(% style="width:1401px" %)Metadata element used to a) list the classification(s) being used for a given Data Set or set of Data Sets, and b) describe how these conform to internationally agreed standards, guidelines, or good practices.|(% style="width:260px" %)CLASS_SYSTEM
++|(% style="width:411px" %)**Statistical concepts and definitions**|(% style="width:1401px" %)Definitions and descriptions of the main variables provided.|(% style="width:260px" %)STAT_CONC_DEF
++|(% style="width:411px" %)**Statistical unit**|(% style="width:1401px" %)Entity for which information is sought and for which statistics are ultimately compiled.|(% style="width:260px" %)STAT_UNIT
++|(% style="width:411px" %)**Unit of measure**|(% style="width:1401px" %)Unit in which the data values are expressed.|(% style="width:260px" %)UNIT_MEASURE
++|(% style="width:411px" %)**Accounting conventions**|(% style="width:1401px" %)Practical procedures, standards and other aspects used when compiling data from diverse sources under a common methodological framework.|(% style="width:260px" %)ACC_CONV
++|(% style="width:411px" %)**Valuation**|(% style="width:1401px" %)Definition of the price per unit, for goods and services flows and asset stocks.|(% style="width:260px" %)VALUATION
  === STATISTICAL PROCESSING ===
@@ -533,6 +533,6 @@
  [[~[3~]>>path:#_ftnref3]] This may be possible, depending on the current implementation such as if an MSD is already implemented
--[[~[4~]>>path:#_ftnref4]] [[https:~~/~~/sdmx.org/wp>>url:https://sdmx.org/wp-content/uploads/SDMX_Glossary_Version_2_0_October_2018.docx]][[->>url:https://sdmx.org/wp-content/uploads/SDMX_Glossary_Version_2_0_October_2018.docx]][[content/uploads/SDMX_Glossary_Version_2_0_October_2018.docx>>url:https://sdmx.org/wp-content/uploads/SDMX_Glossary_Version_2_0_October_2018.docx]][[ >>url:https://sdmx.org/wp-content/uploads/SDMX_Glossary_Version_2_0_October_2018.docx]]
++[[~[4~]>>path:#_ftnref4]] [[https:~~/~~/sdmx.org/wp>>url:https://sdmx.org/wp-content/uploads/SDMX_Glossary_Version_2_0_October_2018.docx]][[->>url:https://sdmx.org/wp-content/uploads/SDMX_Glossary_Version_2_0_October_2018.docx]][[content/uploads/SDMX_Glossary_Version_2_0_October_2018.docx>>url:https://sdmx.org/wp-content/uploads/SDMX_Glossary_Version_2_0_October_2018.docx]]
  {{putFootnotes/}}