Skip to content Learn about the access keys available for Metadata Registry

Concept help - Distribution

A Distribution describes the structure and format of a specific downloadable collection of data. Multiple Distributions that capture different parts of data or provide different formats for data may be grouped into a single Data Set.

A distribution represents an accessible form of a dataset as for example a downloadable file, an RSS feed or a web service that provides the data.

Fields available on this metadata type

Field ISO definition
Name The primary name used for human identification purposes.
Definition Representation of a concept by a descriptive statement which serves to differentiate it from related concepts. (3.2.39)
Is Federated
Is Not Federable
Version Unique version identifier of this metadata item.
References Significant documents that contributed to the development of the metadata item which were not the direct source for the metadata content.
Origin The source (e.g. document, project, discipline or model) for the item (8.1.2.2.3.5)
Comments Descriptive comments about the metadata item (8.1.2.2.3.4)
Deleted The date after which the item has been soft deleted and is no longer visible in the registry
Release Date Date of formal publication of the distribution.
Modification Date Most recent date on which the distribution was changed, updated or modified.
License This links to the license document under which the distribution is made available.
Rights Information about rights held in and over the distribution.
Access Url A landing page, feed, SPARQL endpoint or other type of resource that gives access to the distribution of the dataset.
Download Url A file that contains the distribution of the dataset in a given format.
Byte Size The size of a distribution in bytes. This can be approximated when the precise size is not known.
Media Type The media type of the distribution as defined by Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).
Format The file format of the distribution, for example .XLS, .CSV or .DAT.

Custom Fields

Field Short definition Long definition
Dataset Type
Physical Name
Executive Data Steward The Executive Data Steward responsible for the distribution.
Obligation: Mandatory To facilitate unambiguous identification of data stewards, and provide Executive Data Stewards with insight into the data for which they are accountable. Executive Data Stewards are responsible for coordinating data governance at the divisional level. They manage data specifically relating to their position and authority, and the business outcomes their business units need to deliver. Functions of an Executive Data Steward include promoting compliance with legislation and information management policies and managing data related risks and issues. Provide the position and branch of the SES Band 1 with accountability for the data asset. A position and branch name is preferred to an individual’s contact because it is enduring and minimises the need to regularly update metadata records. For example: NM Data Strategy and Governance Branch
Business Data Steward The Business Data Steward responsible for the distribution.
Obligation: Mandatory To facilitate unambiguous identification of data stewards, and provide Business Data Stewards with insight into the data for which they are responsible. Business data stewards are responsible for the day-to-day management and use of the data asset from a business perspective. Business Data Stewards ensure all data assets are appropriately registered, approve access to data assets and related information assets, and act as a point of contact for information about data assets. Provide the section name of the Business Data Steward with responsibility for the data asset. The Business Data Steward role is commonly fulfilled by an executive level employee. A section name is preferred to an individual’s contact because it is enduring and minimises the need to regularly update metadata records. For example: Data Management Operations Section

Official Definition

An accessible form of a dataset as for example a downloadable file. Data Catalog Vocabulary (DCAT): 5.4 Class: Distribution