Skip to content

Reference Metadata on Data

Note

While this guide concerns reference metadata on data, it's important to note that reference metadata can also be applied to structures.

  • Reference metadata on structures is characterised by Metadataflows referencing possibly multiple structures with metadatasets carrying the metadata themselves
  • Reference metadata on data is characterised by a DSD referencing a single MSD with the metadata themselves travelling with the data as part of the data message

The Reference Metadata on Structures guide explains the structure use case.

Overview

In SDMX 3.0, reference metadata for datasets can be reported directly “with the data” in the same data message, provided the Dataset’s DSD is linked to an MSD and exposes selected metadata attributes.

Applying Reference Metadata to Data in Practice

  • Define the reference metadata structure in a Metadata Structure Definition (MSD).
  • In the Data Structure Definition (DSD) for the dataset, reference exactly one MSD, then include any needed metadata attributes from that MSD in the DSD’s AttributeDescriptor.
  • For each included metadata attribute, set an AttributeRelationship to indicate the level at which it will be reported (dataset-, series-, or observation-level).
  • When producing the dataset, include values for those metadata attributes at the specified level(s). In the exchanged message they are treated similarly to data attributes.

Additional considerations

  • Reference metadata sent with the data appears at the dataset, series or observation level, alongside the data attributes defined in the DSD.
  • Simple metadata attributes defined by a single concept are largely indistinguishable from data attributes.
  • However, complex metadata attributes that represent nested hierarchies of attributes require special treatment which in essence involves embedding metadatasets in the data message.
  • Constraints can restrict permissible values for these metadata attributes, just as for normal data attributes.