(this is Q&A from GSIM e-training Introduction to GSIM session)
Question 1. GSIM and geospatial information: GSBPM was revised and released in January 2019. One of biggest issue during the revision was how to incorporate the geospatial information into production process using GSBPM. Is there any plan to update GSIM in this respect?
=> There is no specific activity planned for GSIM yet, but there is a proposal (under the HLG-MOS Supporting Standards Group) to work on how to use geospatial information with GSBPM. This activity aims to create a document detailing what tasks should be performed using GSBPM. Once tasks and flow are figured out, this will provide better understanding what information would be needed which will be covered by GSIM.
Question 2. GSIM as a basis for building metadata system: for organizations that don’t have operating metadata system, can GSIM be used as a basis for building one?
=> GSIM can certainly be used as a basis for building a metadata system. If you already have a metadata system, it’s a good idea to map GSIM to your existing systems and as the system gets old, when you want to improve or redesign it, then you can use the mapping from your system to GSIM as a guide. If you don’t have an existing system, I would certainly recommend you look at the Concept Group first, particularly the Statistical Classification part as that has been implemented the most and there is most experience accumulated (but also Variable part). So, making a metadata system from the Concept Group would be a great starting point.
Question 3. What is the relationship between GSIM and SDMX?
=> GSIM is a conceptual model (people talking to people). There can be a mapping between concepts in GSIM and SDMX. More will be discussed in Structure Group.