NTI-RISP

One of the main challenges that arise when addressing an Open Data initiative is to define the information architecture and facilitate interoperability between data catalogs published by different portals on the Web. In order to solve this challenge, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) published the Data Catalog Vocabulary (DCAT), an RDF vocabulary to describe data catalogs based on 3 key concepts: catalog, dataset and distribution.

Based on this vocabulary, and within the JoinUP project, a collaborative platform created by the European Commission, an international group of experts developed the DCAT Application profile for data portals in Europe (DCAT-AP): a specification that describes restrictions (such as properties range) on the DCAT model. The objective is to facilitate homogenization and cross-searching, using metadata, between different European data portals generated by public sector and placed at citizens disposal for reuse.

The report DCAT-AP and its extensions: context and evolution, developed within the Aporta Initiative framework, arose to ​​ contextualize and delve into DCAT-AP, and DCAT vocabulary. The report includes a description of both publications, as well as a definition of the agencies and institutions involved in its definition.

DCAT-AP extensions and modifications

Based on DCAT-AP, sector extensions have been developed, some of the most relevant in specific areas of application are described in this report: DCAT-AP HVD, DCAT-AP extension for the description of high-value data, GeoDCAT-AP, focused on the exchange of descriptions of geospatial datasets and services, StatDCAT-AP, an extension of DCAT-AP for the exchange of descriptions of statistical datasets and services, MLDCAT-AP extending DCAT-AP in the field of machine learning, and BRegDCAT-AP for the description of fundamental aspects of public administrative records.

Since its appearance and throughout these years, practically all the Member States of the European Union have extended the DCAT-AP application profile to meet their needs. Special emphasis is placed on Spain, where there is the peculiarity that the "extension" - the Norma Técnica de Interoperabilidad de Reutilización de recursos de información (NTI-RISP) - preceded the DCAT-AP specification itself, which at the time of writing has evolved into the DCAT-AP-ES reference extension.. (NTI-RISP) establishes the common framework for opening and using documents and information resources produced or held by public administrations. This technical standard aims to ensure the persistence of information and the use of formats, and to promote appropriate terms and conditions of use. The NTI-RISP standard predates the first versions of DCAT and DCAT-AP, which has resulted in some differences.

Finally, some DCAT-AP extensions implemented by the different Member States are listed for reference.

The National Interoperability Scheme establishes a set of technical standards for the interoperability of public sector information, which must be complied by public administrations in Spain. As part of this scheme, there is the Technical Standard for the Interoperability of the Re-use of Public Sector Information Resources, which includes a series of conditions on the selection, identification, description, format, use conditions and availability of public data.

In order to facilitate the implementation of this technical standard, an implementation guide is available to users, which explains in detail the guidelines for public administrations to develop their own policies for the open data re-use and resources within their areas of responsibility.

A new version of this document has been recently published, which includes new materials that complement and optimize the advice provided by this guide. Thus, two additional chapters are included to illustrate from several good practices different sections and aspects of the National Interoperability Standard:

Good practices of Share-PSI

Share-PSI is a thematic network offering advice on implementation of the European Directive on the Public Sector Information. This group comprises a great number of public bodies, academic institutions, independent entities and experts who, through different workshops, review and offer good practices in this area.

In this new version of the implementation guide, the Annex III includes twelve examples of such practices collected by the Share-PSI in relation to the national document and the European Directive 2013/37 / EU on the re-use of information, such as elements to establish an open data ecosystem, standards for geospatial data or characteristics of a dataset, among others.

Good practices of web data by W3C

In addition, a table is also shown in the fourth Annex where the best data practices documented by the W3C, applicable and related to the sections of the guide, are collected:

• The persistent use of URIs as identifiers of datasets, their associated versions and series, as well as data;
• The reuse of standardized vocabularies for metadata;
• Real-time and up-to-date access;
• The constant enrichment of information;
• The possibility of bulk download and the use of standard and machine readable formats.

This latest update of the implementation guide provides an opportunity to learn and analyze successful practices in other countries, serving as a reference for the national sector to improve both the open data policies and initiatives in Spain.

La Norma Técnica de Interoperabilidad de Reutilización de Recursos de Información (en adelante NTI), elaborada con la participación de todas las Administraciones públicas,  establece los estándares comunes para la selección, identificación, descripción, formato, uso y apertura de aquellos datos del sector público relativos a diferentes ámbitos de interés (educación, turismo, economía…).  

Como herramienta de soporte y ayuda para la aplicación de dicha Norma Técnica se publicó la Guía de aplicación de la NTI, donde se explican detalladamente las directrices a seguir por las Administraciones Públicas para la aplicación e implementación de lo dispuesto en la NTI.

A lo largo, tanto de la NTI como de la Guía de aplicación, se hace mención a diferentes conceptos relacionados con la cultura open data y los procesos de apertura de la información del sector público. Para facilitar su comprensión, se crea un índice de terminología y acrónimos clave en materia RISP,  y que constituye el Apartado 9 de la mencionada Guía.

Las definiciones de los términos y acrónimos referidos,  al igual que el resto del texto de la NTI, son fruto del consenso de todas las administraciones públicas. En consecuencia, estas definiciones  se constituyen en fuente de referencia contrastada en relación a conceptos clave  tales como agente reutilizador, esquema de metadatos, interoperabilidad, localizador de recursos uniforme, y taxonomía, entre otros.