DCAT is applied as a standard for describing metadata of datasets.

datE 14-08-2024 Status: FOR REVIEW

 

Data Catalogue Vocabulary (DCAT) is applied as a standard for describing metadata of datasets. 

DCAT offers the Health-RI ecosystem the opportunity to describe datasets with metadata at the local level, at the various nodes. This metadata is made available for aggregation in a standardized format and via a standardized API. This enables the central Health-RI (meta)data catalog to provide a composite overview of all available metadata of datasets from the various nodes and other (meta)data providers. This unified approach allows us to easily compare, combine and analyze datasets from different sources.

Not only Health-RI can benefit from this standardized method to describe datasets. Other organizations can also use the decentralized DCAT dataset descriptions with standardized metadata to create their own central catalogs.  

This federated approach makes it easier to find, search, integrate, and share datasets from different sources, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and collaboration between organizations. This contributes to wider adoption of open data initiatives and the development of a thriving ecosystem of health, data exchange and innovation. 

Many other organizations in Europe use DCAT as a standard for describing metadata of datasets. By also choosing DCAT, Health-RI shows that it values consistency, transparency, collaboration, connection within Europe and encouraging broad access to and reuse of health data. The standardization must ensure that participating parties follow DCAT guidelines and specifications when describing the datasets, so that the Health-RI ecosystem provides a consistent and reliable basis for sharing and utilizing valuable health information.