Samvera Geo Predicates Working Group

Scope & Objectives

Domain: Metadata for geospatial resources in Samvera
Need: Geospatial resources require specialized metadata elements for adequate description, but there is a lack of consensus around what individual predicates should be used for these elements in a linked data/RDF environment like Samvera.
Objective: To develop a core set of recommended RDF predicates sufficient for basic description of geospatial resources in a Samvera repository when combined with default metadata.

Research and define what can be said to constitute default metadata in Samvera.
Resolve the question of whether Samvera metadata predicates must be published URIs.
Identify the set of necessary specialized metadata elements that default Samvera metadata lacks (e.g., bounding box, scale, projection, coordinate reference system, others?).
Compile information about available predicate options for each required element, as well as information about the decisions taken by other initiatives now underway, including LDP4P, Hydra MODS 2 RDF WG, DPLA, GeoWorks, other public Samvera collections, or others.
Evaluate available predicate options for each required element, select one or more to recommend, and document the rationale.

This Working Group should endeavour to be a vehicle for consensus building, and so it should consult with relevant parties within the Samvera community and coordinate its work with Samvera Metadata Interest Group.

Deliverables & Timeframe

Deliverable: A document that describes a set of recommended RDF predicates sufficient for basic description of geospatial resources in a Samvera repository when combined with default metadata, and documents rationales for the choices.

Subsequent phases of the project could look to expand the recommendations with additional predicates or linked data vocabularies for relevant controlled lists (e.g., geo file formats).

Original Timeframe: One year from the date of the first meeting of the working group.

Revised Timeframe (2020-02-18): Complete draft of final report by March 23, 2020, with initial review period ending on April 20. Subsequent review cycles as needed.