ISO IEC TR 20943-1-2003 PDF

Full title and description

Information technology — Procedures for achieving metadata registry content consistency — Part 1: Data elements. This technical report provides procedures and guidance for consistently registering and describing data elements and their associated metadata in an ISO/IEC 11179-based metadata registry (MDR).

Abstract

The report explains what a metadata registry is, clarifies the distinction between data and metadata, and identifies the information elements required to determine the meaning of a data element to be shared between systems. It is a user's guide for conceptualizing data elements and associated metadata (identifiers, names, definitions, conceptual domains, value domains and examples) to achieve content consistency in MDRs; it is not a data-entry manual and may be adapted by organisations as needed.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed and remains current following periodic review).
• Publication date: 2003 (August 2003 / 2003-08).
• Publisher: ISO/IEC (ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 32 — Data management and interchange).
• ICS / categories: 35.040.50 (Information coding; metadata registries).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2003).
• Number of pages: 125 (technical report length as published by ISO).

Core bibliographic and lifecycle details as published by ISO/IEC.

Scope

The scope is limited to the associated items of a data element required for consistent registration in an MDR: the data element identifier, names and definitions in particular contexts, examples, the data element concept, the conceptual domain with its value meanings, and the value domain with permissible values. The report also addresses how to treat code sets and other value domains when registering them in an MDR (with a recommended convention for examples).

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and role of a metadata registry (MDR) based on ISO/IEC 11179 concepts.
• Procedures for consistent registration of data elements and associated metadata items (identifiers, names, definitions, examples).
• Guidance on modeling data element concepts, conceptual domains and value domains.
• Recommendations for registering code lists and value domains (treatment as data elements for illustration).
• Practical examples to support consistent metadata capture and sharing across systems.

Key procedural and conceptual requirements summarized from the Technical Report.

Typical use and users

Used by metadata architects, data stewards, registry administrators, standards developers, information managers and system integrators who design, populate or govern ISO/IEC 11179‑style metadata registries or who need consistent procedures for data element definition and exchange. Typical uses include establishing harmonized data element definitions across agencies, documentating code lists/value domains, and enabling interoperable data exchange.

Related standards

Closely related to the ISO/IEC 11179 Metadata Registries series (parts such as 11179‑1, ‑2, ‑3, etc.), and other MDR and metadata-related reports and technical specifications that describe registry frameworks, classification and metamodels. This TR is part of the broader family of ISO/IEC guidance on metadata registries and metadata management.

Keywords

metadata registry, MDR, data element, data element concept, conceptual domain, value domain, code list, ISO/IEC 11179, metadata, data harmonization, data stewardship.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is ISO/IEC TR 20943-1:2003, a Technical Report offering procedures for achieving metadata registry content consistency focused on data elements in ISO/IEC 11179-style MDRs.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the required metadata items and recommended procedures for consistently registering data elements — identifiers, names, definitions, conceptual domains, value domains, examples — and guidance on handling code sets/value domains in registries.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Metadata architects, data stewards, registry administrators, standards developers and organizations implementing or operating metadata registries or harmonizing data definitions for interoperability.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The ISO record indicates this 2003 Technical Report was reviewed and confirmed (most recently in a five‑year review cycle) and remains current as the published edition. Users should check ISO's catalogue or national standards bodies for any later amendments or newer related technical reports.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1 of ISO/IEC TR 20943 (procedures for achieving MDR content consistency). Other related parts and guidance documents exist in the same subject area and the ISO/IEC 11179 family.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: metadata registry, data element, conceptual domain, value domain, ISO/IEC 11179, metadata management, code list, data harmonization.