Modularize RDF representation of DCAT to more easily manage changes, additions, and profiles

[dr-shorthair]

As part of the revision of DCAT we are considering some potential changes to axiomatization and alignment opportunities with external vocabularies, in order to satisfy requirements identified in the UCR and elsewhere. In order to manage the analysis and discussion in an orderly manner, it is proposed that the single RDF document (currently https://github.com/w3c/dxwg/blob/gh-pages/dcat/rdf/dcat.ttl ) be possibly modularized and also supplemented with additional RDF documents that contain further resources, axioms, or other formalizations such as SPARQL and SHACL. This will allow proposals to be evaluated in a way that quarantines them from the base DCAT vocabulary file until and unless a decision is made to merge.

This approach was used for the SSN vocabulary developed recently by the Spatial Data on the Web Working Group - see diagram and examples. The final RDF representation of SSN was published through multiple files or graphs. Some of the modules are classified normative, and some non-normative.

The additional RDF artefacts are primarily to support discussion in DXWG at this stage. Further down the track they may or may not be classified 'normative', or may be merged into a smaller number of artefacts for publication.

I'm hoping that accepting this principle will allow us to move forward on a number of stalled issues, including #94 #110 #111 #65 #72 #128

[riccardoAlbertoni]

+1 to Modularize RDF representation of DCAT to more easily manage changes, additions, and profiles

[dr-shorthair]

Resolved in affirmative - https://www.w3.org/2018/02/28-dxwgdcat-minutes.html#resolution02