You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
The Catalogue is structured around 28 standard metadata attributes. Not all attributes are available for all records.
For further information, see the Guide on Metadata Attributes
Identifier – A unique alphanumeric sequence, which uniquely identifies each data asset. In combination with the Data custodian attribute, the Identifier can be used to reference the data asset without confusion.
Title – A unique, clear, and descriptive name for the data asset.
Description –Information about the data asset which helps users evaluate whether the data asset will meet their needs. Can include details of the government program or project to which the asset relates and the availability of specific data topics or field names.
Data Custodian – The agency responsible for the data asset, including the authority to share the data.
Point of contact – An email address or contact web form for users to request additional information about the data asset.
Access rights – The level of access (or restrictions) applied to the data asset.
§ Open data is publicly accessible and usually published online.
§ Conditional data is also publicly accessible but with some limitations, for example users might be required to pay a fee or to access data in a particular physical location.
§ Restricted data is not published and is only accessible by submitting a data request.
Security classification – The classification applied to the data asset as specified by the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework. The classification informs decisions around data release.
Keyword – Words or terms that describe the subject matter of the data asset. As a user, keywords can make it easier to find the data you are looking for. This includes keywords relating to the core government function to which the data asset relates. It also identifies assets which related to enduring Government priorities including Indigenous related data, disability related data and data containing sex or gender disaggregated information.
Resource type – The type of data asset, for example a dataset, image, or model.
Date modified – The most recent date the metadata record of the data asset was created, updated, or reviewed. This date is not related to the underlying data asset.
Access URL – A direct link to the data asset for viewing or downloading, or a web page with instructions on how to access the data asset.
Temporal coverage from – The starting date or period from which the underlying data was collected.
Temporal coverage to – The end date or period which the underlying data was collected. A blank field indicates that data collection is ongoing.
Update frequency – The frequency at which the data asset is revised, replaced or updated.
Publish date – The date at which the underlying data asset was made available for discovery, access and use. This date also reflects when the underlying data was updated.
Purpose – A description of why the data asset was collected or created. This contextual information helps users understand the potential uses and limitations of the data asset.
Location –The widest geographic area or location which is covered by the entire data asset.
Sensitive data – The sensitivity descriptor applied to the data asset in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework. Sensitivity can inform decisions around data release.
File size – An indicative measure of the digital storage required by the data asset.
Format – The distribution format of the data asset (e.g. CSV, JPEG).
Language – The language used within the data asset (e.g. English).
Legal authority – The legal basis for the collection and sharing of the data asset. This information helps users understand how data might be released.
Licence – The legal document under which the data asset can be distributed or is made available.
Disposal – Information on the correct retention or disposal action which agencies are required to take in relation to the data asset.
Data status – The status or completeness of the metadata record.
Publisher – The agency that made the data asset available and may control any future versions.
Related entities – Any additional organisations or individuals involved in the creation, ownership or administration of the underlying data asset, excluding those listed as the Custodian or Publisher. This is a flexible attribute which can display entities related to the data asset, but which are not captured under the Custodian or Publisher attributes.
Source – This field is automatically populated based on the origin of the record. ‘AGDC specific’ indicates the record has been directly contributed to the Catalogue by an Australian Government agency. Alternatively, the location of another public facing data collection from which the record has been source for entry into the Catalogue. This allows users to filter search results to concentrate on the data source in which they are interested.