RDA DMP Common Standard for machine-actionable Data Management Plans

About this document

This is a metadata application profile to provide basic interoperability between systems producing or consuming machine-actionable data management plans (maDMPS). Further fields can be added in specific deployments, but they do not guarantee interoperability. DMP tools can use any other fields in their internal data models. This application profile is intended to cover a wide range of use cases and does not set any business (e.g. funder specific) requirements. It represents information over the whole DMP lifecycle. For more information see examples, FAQ and useful links to consultations, documents, tools, prototypes, etc. developed by the working group.

DMP

Provides high level information about the DMP, e.g. its title, modification date, etc. It is the root of this application profile. The majority of its fields are mandatory.

Project

Describes the project associated with the DMP, if applicable. It can be used to describe any type of project: that is, not only funded projects, but also internal projects, PhD theses, etc.

Funding

For specifying details on funded projects, e.g. NSF of EC funded projects.

Contact

Specifies the party which can provide any information on the DMP. This is not necessarily the DMP creator, and can be a person or an organisation.

Contributor

For listing all parties involved in the process of the data management described by this DMP, and those parties involved in the creation and management of the DMP itself.

Cost

Provides a list of costs related to data management.

Dataset

This follows the defintion of Dataset in the W3C DCAT specification. Dataset can be understood as a logical entity depicting data, e.g. raw data. It provides high level information about the data. The granularity of dataset depends on a specific setting. In edge cases it can be a file, but also a collection of files in different formats. See <a href=https://github.com/RDA-DMP-Common/RDA-DMP-Common-Standard/blob/master/docs/FAQ.md>FAQ</a> for more details.

Distribution

The term "distribution" used here is as defined by the very widely used W3C DCAT metadata application profile. It is used to mean a particular instance of a dataset that has been, or is intended to be, made available in some fashion. It is important to separates the logical notion of a "dataset" from its distributions, of which there may be several, especially to attach more specific metadata properties such as "size" and "license". The lifecycle of the DMP has no particular bearing on this, and a "distribution" may be defined even if the DMP is never actually realised.

License

Used to indicate the license under which data (each specific Distribution) will be made available. It also allows for modelling embargoes. See <a href=https://github.com/RDA-DMP-Common/RDA-DMP-Common-Standard/blob/master/docs/FAQ.md>FAQ</a> for more details.

Host

Provides information on the system where data is stored. It can be used to provide details on a repository where data is deposited, e.g. a Core Trust Seal certified repository located in Europe that uses DOIs. It can also provide details on systems where data is stored and processed during research, e.g. a high performance computer that uses fast storage with two daily backups.

Security and Privacy

Used to indicate any specific requirements related to security and privacy of a specific dataset, e.g. to indicate that data is not anonymized.

Technical Resource

For specifying equipment needed/used to create or process the data, e.g. a microscope, etc.

Metadata

Provides a pointer to a metadata standard used to describe the data. It does not contain any actual metadata relating to the dataset.

Structure

Properties in 'contact'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
contact_id Identifier for a contact Nested Data Structure 1
mbox E-mail address for a contact String 1 cc@example.com
name Name of a contact person or organisation String 1 Charlie Chaplin

Properties in 'contact_id'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
identifier To indicate the specific value of an identifier for a contact String 1
type To specify a type of an identifier for a contact.
Allowed Values:
  • orcid
  • isni
  • openid
  • other
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 1 orcid

Properties in 'contributor'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
contributor_id Identifier for a contributor Nested Data Structure 1
mbox E-mail address for a contributor String 0..1john@smith.com
name Name of a contributor String 1 John Smith
role Contributors role(s) within the process of data management (incl. planning) String 1..n Data Steward

Properties in 'contributor_id'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
identifier To indicate the specific value of an identifier for a contributor String 1 http://orcid.org/0000-0000-0000-0000
type To specify a type of an identifier for a contributor.
Allowed Values:
  • orcid
  • isni
  • openid
  • other
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 1 orcid

Properties in 'cost'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
currency_code Allowed values defined by ISO 4217. Term from Controlled Vocabulary 0..1EUR
description To provide additional details about a cost, including specifying which activities or resources it relates to, such as making data FAIR, ensuring data accessibility, or enhancing its reusability. String 0..1 Storage and backup costs are calculated based on a 12-month storage period, daily incremental and weekly full backups, and a frequency of 4 restores per month, as outlined in the evaluation table at www.example-storagecostevaluation.com.
title Title of a cost String 1Storage and backup
value Cost value in the specified currency Number 0..1 1000

Properties in 'dataset'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
data_quality_assurance To describe any quality assurance processes applied to a dataset, such as, to ensure its accuracy, reliability, consistency, and usability for its intended purposes. This includes systematic practices, procedures, and policies designed to maintain high data quality throughout its lifecycle. String 0..n We calibrate measuring equipment daily, run repeat samples to monitor consistency in measurements and results, and cross-check collected data with at least two colleagues for accuracy.
dataset_id Identifier for a dataset Nested Data Structure 1
description Description is a property in both Dataset and Distribution, in compliance with W3C DCAT. In some cases these might be identical, but in most cases the Dataset represents a more abstract concept, while the distribution can point to a specific file. String 0..1 The dataset includes detailed measurements of temperature, humidity, and soil moisture levels collected at various time intervals (every 30 minutes) across multiple locations. The dataset will also include metadata such as GPS coordinates, sensor calibration data, and environmental conditions. The primary objective of this dataset is to analyze the correlation between these variables and their impact on plant growth patterns over a 6-month period.
distribution To provide technical information on a specific instance of data. Nested Data Structure 0..n
is_reused Indication if the dataset is reused, i.e., not produced in project(s) covered by this DMP. Boolean 0..1 true
issued To indicate a date when a dataset was published or released. Encoded using the relevant ISO 8601 Date compliant string Date 0..1 2019-06-30
keyword Keyword String 0..n keyword 1, keyword 2
language Language of the dataset expressed using ISO 639-3 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 0..1 eng
metadata To describe metadata standards used. Nested Data Structure 0..n
personal_data To indicate whether a dataset contains personal data. Personal data refers to any data that can identify an individual (e.g. name, birthdate, address, voice recordings, etc.).
Allowed Values:
  • yes
  • no
  • unknown
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 1 unknown
preservation_statement To outline a plan for how and why a dataset will be preserved for long-term access, including for example storage redundancy, integrity checks (checksums, fixity checks), format migration, and a sustainability plan ensuring institutional commitment and funding. String 0..1 All research data will be stored in the university's secure data repository, backed up daily to ensure redundancy and prevent data loss. The dataset will be preserved in a standardized format (e.g. CSV, JSON) and will include detailed metadata for clarity. It will be accessible to the public via the university’s open-access platform three months after the completion of the project, with ongoing access ensured for a minimum of 5 years. Regular checks will be performed every 6 months to confirm the integrity and readability of the data.
security_and_privacy To list all security and privacy measures applied to a dataset to protect sensitive information, for example encryption, anonymization, data masking, and compliance with data protection regulations (e.g. GDPR or HIPAA). It can also be used to express any security measures required for handling the dataset, e.g. only physical access, etc. Nested Data Structure 0..n
sensitive_data To indicate whether a dataset contains sensitive data. Sensitive data refers to information that could pose risks to individuals or organizations for example financial information, medical records, passwords and social security numbers.
Allowed Values:
  • yes
  • no
  • unknown
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 1 unknown
technical_resource List all technical resources (e.g. tools or software) required for any stage of a dataset lifecycle (e.g. microscopes, sensors, Jupyter Notebook, Galaxy workflows, measuring devices) Nested Data Structure 0..n
title Title is a property in both Dataset and Distribution, in compliance with W3C DCAT. In some cases these might be identical, but in most cases the Dataset represents a more abstract concept, while the distribution can point to a specific file. String 1 Fast car images
type If appropriate, type according to: DataCite and/or COAR dictionary. Otherwise use the common name for the type, e.g. raw data, software, survey, etc. https://schema.datacite.org/meta/kernel-4.1/doc/DataCite-MetadataKernel_v4.1.pdf http://vocabularies.coar-repositories.org/pubby/resource_type.html String 0..1 image

Properties in 'dataset_id'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
identifier To indicate the specific value of an identifier for a dataset String 1 https://hdl.handle.net/11353/10.923628
type To specify a type of an identifier for a dataset.
Allowed Values:
  • handle
  • doi
  • ark
  • url
  • other
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 1 handle

Properties in 'distribution'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
access_url A URL of the resource that gives access to a distribution of the dataset. e.g. landing page. URL 0..1 http://some.repo...
available_until Indicates how long this distribution will be/ should be available. Encoded using the relevant ISO 8601 Date compliant string Date 0..1 2030-06-30
byte_size Size of a distribution in bytes Number 0..1 690000
data_access Indicates access mode for data.
Allowed Values:
  • open
  • shared
  • closed
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 1 open
description Description is a property in both Dataset and Distribution, in compliance with W3C DCAT. In some cases these might be identical, but in most cases the Dataset represents a more abstract concept, while the distribution can point to a specific file. String 0..1 This dataset contains measurements from a single research location at the University of California's Arboretum in Davis, California, collected every 30 minutes over a 6-month period from January 2024 until June 2024. Each file includes time-stamped data for temperature, humidity, and soil moisture, listed by date and time. The data is organized in CSV format, with each row representing a specific time point, including the location (UC Arboretum), timestamp, and the corresponding environmental variables.
download_url The URL of the downloadable file in a given format. E.g. CSV file or RDF file. URL 0..1 http://some.repo.../download/...
format Format according to: https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/media-types.xhtml if appropriate, otherwise use the common name for this format String 0..n image/tiff
host To provide information on a system where data is stored. This can be all types of systems used within the whole data management lifecycle, i.e. temporary storage on networked hard drives, as well as, repository systems where data is shared with others. Nested Data Structure 0..1
license To list all licenses applied to a specific distribution of data. Nested Data Structure 0..n
title Title is a property in both Dataset and Distribution, in compliance with W3C DCAT. In some cases these might be identical, but in most cases the Dataset represents a more abstract concept, while the distribution can point to a specific file. String 1 Full resolution images

Properties in 'dmp'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
contact Contact person for a DMP Nested Data Structure 1
contributor To list people that play role in data management related to this DMP, e.g. resoponsible for performing actions described in this DMP. Nested Data Structure 0..n
cost To list costs related to data management. Providing multiple instances of a 'Cost' allows to break down costs into details. Providing one 'Cost' instance allows to provide one aggregated sum. Nested Data Structure 0..n
created Date and time of the first version of a DMP. Must not be changed in subsequent DMPs. Encoded using the relevant ISO 8601 Date and Time (with timezone) compliant string DateTime 1 2019-03-13T13:13:00Z
dataset To describe data on a non-technical level. Nested Data Structure 1..n
description Any text related to this DMP, optionally describing the project. It can include important information that doesn't fit elsewhere. String 0..1 This DMP is for our new project
dmp_id Identifier for the DMP itself Nested Data Structure 1
ethical_issues_description To describe considerations that require compliance with laws and regulations (e.g. GDPR, animal welfare) due to the involvement of humans, animals, or sensitive information. This includes ensuring informed consent from participants, protecting privacy and confidentiality, and adhering to applicable legal and ethical standards throughout the research. String 0..1 There are ethical issues, because...
ethical_issues_exist To indicate whether there are ethical issues related to data that this DMP describes.
Allowed Values:
  • yes
  • no
  • unknown
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 1 yes
ethical_issues_report To indicate where a report/document that details all identified ethical issues (might be for example emit from a meeting with an ethical committee) URL 0..1 http://report.location
language Language of the DMP expressed using ISO 639-3 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 1eng
modified Must be set each time DMP is modified. Indicates a DMP version. Encoded using the relevant ISO 8601 Date and Time (with timezone) compliant string DateTime 1 2020-03-14T10:53:49Z
project To list all project(s) for which the data and work are described in this DMP Nested Data Structure 0..n
title Title of a DMP String 1 DMP for our new project

Properties in 'dmp_id'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
identifier To indicate the specific value of an identifier for a DMP String 1 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006750
type To specify a type of an identifier for a DMP.
Allowed Values:
  • handle
  • doi
  • ark
  • url
  • other
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 1 doi

Properties in 'funder_id'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
identifier To indicate the specific value of an identifier for a funder. It is recommended to use CrossRef Funder Registry. String 1 501100002428
type To specify a type of identifier for a funder.
Allowed Values:
  • fundref
  • url
  • other
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 1 fundref

Properties in 'funding'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
funder_id Identifier of a funder Nested Data Structure 1
funding_status To express different phases of project lifecycle.
Allowed Values:
  • planned
  • applied
  • granted
  • rejected
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 0..1 granted
grant_id Identifier of a grant Nested Data Structure 0..1 1234567

Properties in 'grant_id'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
identifier To indicate the specific value of an identifier for a grant String 1 776242
type To specify a type of an identifier for a grant.
Allowed Values:
  • url
  • other
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 1 other

Properties in 'host'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
availability Availability of a host (preferably as a percentage) String 0..1 99,5
backup_frequency Frequency of backups provided by a host String 0..1 weekly
backup_type Location and/or type of the backup provided by a host String 0..1 tapes
certified_with To indicate host trustworthiness via a standard repository certificate.
Allowed Values:
  • din31644
  • dini-zertifikat
  • dsa
  • iso16363
  • iso16919
  • trac
  • wds
  • coretrustseal
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 0..1 coretrustseal
description Description String 0..1 Repository hosted by...
geo_location Physical location of a server (where the distribution is actually stored) expressed using ISO 3166-1 country code. Term from Controlled Vocabulary 0..1 AT
pid_system PID System used by a host.
Allowed Values:
  • ark
  • arxiv
  • bibcode
  • doi
  • ean13
  • eissn
  • handle
  • igsn
  • isbn
  • issn
  • istc
  • lissn
  • lsid
  • pmid
  • purl
  • upc
  • url
  • urn
  • other
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 0..n doi
storage_type To indicate whether a host supports versioning of data distributions. String 0..1 LTO-8 tape
support_versioning
Allowed Values:
  • yes
  • no
  • unknown
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 0..1 yes
title Title String 1 Super Repository
url A URL of an infrastructure hosting a distribution of a dataset URL 1 https://zenodo.org

Properties in 'license'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
license_ref Link to license document. URL 1 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
start_date If date is set in the future, it indicates embargo period. Encoded using the relevant ISO 8601 Date compliant string Date 1 2019-06-30

Properties in 'metadata'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
description To provide any details on the choice of the metadata standard String 0..1 The ISO 19115 Metadata Standard is applied to describe each geospatial dataset. Metadata includes the satellite's sensor type (e.g. Landsat 8 OLI), acquisition date, spatial resolution (30m), and cloud cover percentage.
language Language of a metadata expressed using ISO 639-3 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 1eng
metadata_standard_id Identifier of Metadata Standard Nested Data Structure 1

Properties in 'metadata_standard_id'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
identifier To indicate the specific value of an identifier for a metadata standard String 1 http://www.dublincore.org/specifications/dublin-core/dcmi-terms/
type To specify a type of an identifier for a metadata standard.
Allowed Values:
  • url
  • other
 Term from Controlled Vocabulary 1 url

Properties in 'project'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
description Project abstract providing an overview of the project's goals and scope String 0..1 This project aims to analyze the impact of urbanization on local biodiversity by collecting and assessing environmental data from multiple urban centers. Using remote sensing, field observations, and statistical modeling, the study will identify key factors influencing species diversity and habitat loss. The findings will support sustainable urban planning initiatives and inform conservation strategies.
end Project end date. Encoded using the relevant ISO 8601 Date compliant string Date 0..1 2020-03-31
funding Funding related with a project Nested Data Structure 0..n
start Project start date. Encoded using the relevant ISO 8601 Date compliant string Date 0..1 2019-04-01
title Project title String 1 Our New Project

Properties in 'security_and_privacy'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
description Describe a security and privacy measure applied to a dataset to protect sensitive information String 0..1 The dataset undergoes anonymization by applying data masking techniques. Names, addresses, and phone numbers are replaced with pseudonyms or randomly generated identifiers. Specific details, such as exact birthdates, are generalized into age ranges.
title Title a measure applied to a dataset String 1 Anonymization of Personally Identifiable Data

Properties in 'technical_resource'

Name Description Data Type Cardinality Example Value
description Describe a technical resource (e.g. tools or software) required for any stage of a dataset lifecycle (e.g. microscopes, sensors, Jupyter Notebook, Galaxy workflows, measuring devices) String 0..1 The Celestron 44102 Inverted Biological Microscope was used to examine biological samples, such as cells and microorganisms, with high-resolution optics.
name Name a resource applied to a dataset String 1 Celestron Microscope

Cite as

Tomasz Miksa, Paul Walk, Peter Neish. RDA DMP Common Standard for Machine-actionable Data Management Plans. http://doi.org/10.15497/rda00039