What is DCAT‐US?
The DCAT-US Schema 1.1 is U.S. Government’s standardized metadata specification for describing data assets. It was formerly known as the Project Open Data Metadata Schema. The international W3C DCAT specification provides the basis of the standard, and agencies use the schema to compile their dataset listings for inclusion on Data.gov. The OPEN Government Data Act and the Open Data Policy require federal agencies to publish an enterprise data inventory using the standard DCAT-US metadata schema. This version of DCAT-US v3.0 attempts to address the limitations and shortcomings of the existing DCAT-US Schema 1.1. The proposed “v3.0” schema intends to address the current shortcomings and new requirements for findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) digital data assets.
DCAT-US is the metadata standard associated with the requirements for enterprise data inventories in the OMB M-13-13 open data policy and the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act Title II, OPEN Government Data Act (Evidence Act). The Evidence Act applies to all agencies. These federal policies do not apply to state and local governments which may have their own policies. However, state and local governments are welcome voluntarily to contribute their metadata to Data.gov. To do so, they must publish their metadata using the DCAT-US standard while omitting any federal-specific metadata elements as noted in the documentation.
This wiki gathers information and discussion about the DCAT-US profile.
Project Open Data (POD) is a US Government initiative that established (c. 2014) the POD metadata schema (version 1.1—also known as DCAT-US v1.1) for federal datasets. Although it played a critical role in promoting open data in the US, it has its own set of limitations. POD 1.1 simplifies metadata compared to ISO 19115, making implementation easier. However, this simplicity could mean that certain detailed metadata required for comprehensive understanding and use of the dataset might not be available. The POD 1.1 schema doesn't include controlled vocabularies, which can make data discovery more challenging because users and data providers might use different terminology to describe the same data. POD 1.1 was developed primarily for US federal data, and its compatibility with other international data standards like DCAT is not fully ensured, potentially limiting its usefulness for data interoperability on a global scale.
These limitations indicate that while existing standards have made significant strides toward enabling better data management, there is still room for improvement. It is essential to continue evolving these standards and creating new ones that can address the existing shortcomings, enhancing data discoverability, interoperability, and utilization in an increasingly data-driven world.
The following links provide more context around DCAT-US and the challenges that it attempts to address:
While the DCAT standard provides a robust framework, the base standard may not entirely address specific regions or communities' unique needs and considerations. This situation is where localized versions, or "profiles," of DCAT apply. A DCAT-US profile, for example, is a version of DCAT adapted to meet the particular needs of the US data community.
The development of a DCAT-US profile could present multiple benefits, including:
- Enhanced Interoperability: Creating a profile for the United States would facilitate greater interoperability among American data catalogs. This situation could help foster data sharing between federal, state, and local governments and create a more integrated public data ecosystem.
- Localization: A DCAT-US profile could include vocabulary and metadata fields that are specific to the US context, making the data more relevant and useful for American users.
- Streamlined Data Management: The DCAT-US profile could simplify data management by providing a standard framework for cataloging datasets across different levels of the US government.
- Improved Data Accessibility: BA DCAT-US profile can make it easier for users to find and access the data they need by standardizing the presentation of metadata, improving data accessibility for researchers, policymakers, businesses, and the public.
The ongoing efforts concerning DCAT-US 3.0 involve not only updating POD 1.1 (also referred to as DCAT-US 1.1, which builds upon DCAT 1), aligning with the latest version of DCAT, namely DCAT 3, but also aiming to incorporate alignment with the FAIR principles. This comprehensive update seeks to ensure compatibility and synchronization between DCAT-US and DCAT 3, enabling improved data interoperability and harmonization within the United States. Additionally, integrating FAIR principles into DCAT-US 3.0 underscores the commitment to making data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. By aligning with FAIR, this project's objective is to enhance data openness and usability, promoting wider data sharing, reuse, and integration in accordance with the evolving data landscape.
The development of a DCAT-US profile addresses a crucial need within the United States for a tailored and specialized approach to data management and sharing. While the DCAT standard provides a solid foundation for describing digital asset metadata, the diverse landscape of data communities, including statistical and geospatial sectors, necessitates a more customized solution. The DCAT-US profile ensures that specific government agencies adequately meet their requirements, accounting for their unique needs and considerations. By aligning the standard with the intricacies of the US data ecosystem, the DCAT-US profile enhances interoperability, streamlines data-sharing processes, and promotes collaboration. It empowers government agencies to effectively describe and publish datasets, facilitating greater discoverability and accessibility for users. Ultimately, the DCAT-US profile facilitates efficient and seamless data exchange, enabling data-driven decision-making and innovation across the nation.