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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions#

This section compiles the most frequently asked questions about DCAT-AP-ES, its implementation, and use. The aim is to provide clear and concise answers to facilitate understanding and adoption of this application profile.

Sections:

  • General Aspects: Introduces the datosgobes/DCAT-AP-ES repository and its purpose.
  • Application Profiles: Contextualizes specifications related to DCAT-AP-ES.
  • About DCAT-AP-ES: Addresses common questions about the application profile.
  • Data Model: Explains doubts and fundamental concepts of the data model.
  • Federation: Answers questions about technical implementation and federation with the national catalog.

Relationship with datos.gob.es Frequently Asked Questions

This document focuses on specific issues regarding the DCAT-AP-ES specification and its technical implementation. For general inquiries about the national catalog, we recommend visiting the datos.gob.es frequently asked questions.

General#

  • What is the DCAT-AP-ES repository?

    Code repository and tracking for the implementation of the NTI according to the DCAT-AP-ES application profile.

    Repository

  • What to find in the DCAT-AP-ES repository?

    The evolution of the DCAT-AP-ES specification with technical documentation, guides, examples and user feedback.

    README

  • Designed to contribute

    Designed to allow the community to suggest improvements and be involved in developing the DCAT-AP-ES specification.

    Contribute

  • Open source, CC-BY 4.0

    All of the material is licensed under the open source license Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International.

    License

Application Profiles#

  • DCAT

    The fundamental vocabulary for describing catalogs and data resources on the web developed by the W3C.

    Learn more

  • DCAT-AP

    The European profile based on DCAT that defines common standards for open data catalogs, facilitating interoperability.

    Learn more

  • DCAT-AP HVD

    Extension of DCAT-AP for describing and cataloging high-value datasets in compliance with the HVD Implementing Regulation.

    Learn more

  • DCAT-AP-ES

    Adaptation of DCAT-AP that incorporates specifications specific to the Spanish context and the HVD extension.

    Learn more

About DCAT-AP-ES#

  • When does it come into effect?

    DCAT-AP-ES is expected to come into effect in 2025, following the approval of the new NTI-RISP, the day after its publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE).

    NTI-RISP

  • What is the deadline for migration?

    Publishers have an adaptation period of six months from the entry into force of the NTI-RISP.

    Changes

  • Relationship with other standards?

    DCAT-AP-ES implements DCAT-AP and its HVD extension, ensuring compatibility with the European open data ecosystem.

    UML

  • Are there support materials?

    There are application guides and technical implementation documents, conventions, data models, vocabularies, examples, SHACL validation files, etc.

    Guide

  • Main new features of DCAT-AP-ES?

    It aligns with the European DCAT-AP profile, incorporates data services (dcat:DataService), high-value dataset modeling (HVD), and improvements in metadata quality description.

    Classes

  • More information about NTI-RISP?

    More information and documentary support on the Technical Interoperability Standards (NTI) published in the BOE can be obtained through the Electronic Administration Portal (PAe).

    PAe

Data Model#

  • What is a dataset?

    A dataset (class dcat:Dataset) is a collection of related information on a topic, organized to facilitate its access, use, and distribution by an organization.

    Dataset

  • What is a distribution?

    A distribution (dcat:Distribution) is a specific representation of a dataset, such as a file in a particular format (e.g., CSV, JSON).

    Distribution

  • Differences between resource and distribution?

    A resource (dcat:Resource) is an abstract class that represents elements of a catalog, such as datasets, services, or other catalogs. It serves as the foundation for these types but is not used directly.

    In contrast, a distribution is a specific way to access that resource, such as a downloadable CSV file.

    Resource (DCAT)

  • What is a catalog record?

    A catalog record (dcat:CatalogRecord) is a resource that contains metadata about individual entries of a dataset or service in a catalog, not the description of the resource itself.

    It represents administrative information such as the date of incorporation into the catalog, publication status, or provenance information.

    Catalog Record

  • How do the DCAT-AP-ES elements relate to each other?

    The DCAT-AP-ES model functions as a network where elements connect to each other:

    - A catalog (dcat:Catalog) serves as the main container hosting datasets and services

    - Data services (dcat:DataService) provide access to the datasets

    - Each dataset (dcat:Dataset) can have multiple distributions (formats)

    - Distributions (dcat:Distribution) can be accessed through specific services

    graph LR
    %% Node definitions
    Catalog((dcat:Catalog)):::main
    Dataset[dcat:Dataset]:::entity
    DataService[dcat:DataService]:::entity
    Distribution[dcat:Distribution]:::entity

    %% Relationships with labels
    Catalog -->|dcat:dataset| Dataset
    Catalog -->|dcat:service| DataService
    DataService -->|dcat:servesDataset| Dataset
    Dataset -->|dcat:distribution| Distribution
    Distribution -->|dcat:accessService| DataService

    %% Styles with rounded borders
    classDef main fill:#B8C2CC,stroke:none,font-size:24px,color:#00a99d,font-weight:bold;
    classDef entity fill:#e6f3ff,stroke:none,font-size:20px,color:#154481 !important,rx:10,ry:10,font-weight:bold;

    %% Line styles
    linkStyle default stroke:#154481,stroke-width:1px,stroke-dasharray:3;

    Relationships

Federation#

  • What format should the catalog have?

    The catalog file that will be federated must be described according to the XML syntax for RDF called RDF/XML

    Syntax

  • Where can I find DCAT-AP-ES examples?

    Available in the online guide and in the examples/ directory of the repository, organized by entities and specific use cases.

    Examples