OTTAWA – The Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI) is pleased to announce the commencement of a 60-day public review period for CAN/DGSI 121: Metadata Requirements for Urban Datasets. This standard represents a significant step forward in establishing a comprehensive framework for urban data management and interoperability.
CAN/DGSI 121, developed by DGSI’s Technical Committee 6 on Connected Cities, introduces a stratified approach to metadata requirements for urban datasets. This innovative standard aims to simplify the process of cataloging and sharing urban data while ensuring that the most critical information is captured from the outset.
Key features of CAN/DGSI 121 include:
– A six-level metadata requirement structure, addressing various aspects of urban datasets from basic findability to advanced quality metrics.
– Alignment with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles to enhance data usability and sharing.
– Special considerations for Indigenous data management, promoting respectful and ethical data practices.
– Compatibility with existing standards such as DCAT (Data Catalog Vocabulary) to ensure interoperability.
The standard covers fundamental areas such as:
– Dataset content and access information
– Ownership and provenance details
– Temporal and geospatial specifications
– Statistical information and data quality metrics
“When we first started investigating urban datasets, we recognized that many were being created by municipalities, citizens, academics, and others that were of very high quality but were hard to find. At the same time, this data was priceless when, for example, evaluating urban planning proposals or tracking the changing needs of communities and citizens over time. It became clear that publishing and making urban datasets searchable and usable required metadata unique to urban datasets. Consider data collection policies. In the Canadian context, this involves ensuring that privacy, security, and ownership are determined by the guidelines created by those communities, such as Indigenous communities and newcomers, or the unique guidelines for datasets with usage patterns of transportation, healthcare, and housing programs. The Urban Data Research Centre at the School of Cities, University of Toronto, is grateful to have worked with the Digital Governance Standards Institute and the Technical Committee to propose the urban dataset metadata model for standardization.” – Bart Gajderowicz, The Urban Data Research Centre at the School of Cities, University of Toronto
The public review period offers an opportunity for stakeholders across various sectors to contribute their expertise and ensure the standard meets the diverse needs of Canada’s digital economy. DGSI encourages participation from urban planners, data scientists, policy makers, technology innovators and the general public to help strengthen this important standard.
Join us in refining CAN/DGSI 121, a pivotal standard that will shape the backbone of our smart cities. Your insights can help create a more connected, efficient, and responsive urban environment for millions of Canadians.
“CAN/DGSI 121 represents a significant advancement in urban data management. By providing a structured approach to metadata, we’re enabling cities and organizations to better leverage their data assets for improved decision-making and service delivery.” – Darryl Kingston, Executive Director, Digital Governance Standards
Here’s how you can be part of this urban revolution:
- Visit our interactive review platform here
- View the draft standard and share your expert feedback
Don’t miss this opportunity to leave your mark on Canada’s urban future! The public review period is open until December 23rd, 2024. Every comment, suggestion, and idea bring us one step closer to smarter, more connected cities.
Get Involved
As an organization, we highly prioritize collaboration and openness in our standards development process. We firmly believe that the best standards are created through the collective effort of diverse stakeholders. Therefore, we extend a warm invitation to all interested parties to actively contribute to our ongoing work. If you are interested in contributing to the work to assist in the development of this new standard, please get in touch through the contact below.
Get in touch with Darryl Kingston, Executive Director of Standards for more information or to get directly involved.
For media inquiries:
Shyra Wells
Communications and Knowledge Mobilization Lead
Digital Governance Council
Shyra.craig@dgc-cgn.org
About the Digital Governance Council
The Digital Governance Council is a member-driven organization that acts as a cross-sector neutral convener for Canada’s executive leaders to identify, prioritize and act on digital governance opportunities and challenges. The Council leads an Executive Forum for council members, sets technology governance standards through the Digital Governance Standards Institute and certifies the compliance of Canadian organizations in the management of the effective and efficient use of digital technologies. To learn more about the organization and its initiatives, visit www.dgc-cgn.org or contact info@dgc-cgn.org.
About the Digital Governance Standards Institute
The Digital Governance Standards Institute develops digital technology governance standards fit for global use. The Institute works with experts, as well as national and global partners and the public to develop national standards that reduce risk to Canadians and Canadian organizations adopting and using innovative digital technologies in today’s digital economy. The Institute is an independent division of the Digital Governance Council. To learn more about the organization and its initiatives, visit www.dgc-cgn.org or contact info@dgc-cgn.org.