1.1 Background
Statistical metadata systems (SMS) should serve statistical organizations as tools for the efficient management and performance of statistical information systems. Globalization has brought several issues in statistical production to greater prominence. There is an increasing user need to make official statistics comparable and easily available both at national and international levels. Clearly, the SMS has a lead role in this endeavour. The SMS efficiency in this respect is significantly influenced by the standards methods and techniques used.
The Common Metadata Framework (CMF) initiative aims to assist statistical organizations to increase efficiency of statistical metadata across all phases of their statistical business process. The Generic Statistical Business Process Model is presented in Part C of the CMF: "Metadata and the Statistical Business Process" (http://.....).
While Part A of the CMF, "Statistical Metadata in a Corporate Context: A guide for managers", (http://.....) is focused on the corporate governance of metadata projects and its target audience is senior managers in statistical organizations, the target audience for Part B "Metadata Standards, Concepts and Models" (http://.....) is SMS designers and experts responsible for SMS implementation.
The issue of standardization of metadata has already been on the agenda of various international groups and organizations for many years (examples include the development of the ISO standard 11179, IMF data dissemination standards, and, more recently, the SDMX initiative). Based on requests from UNECE member countries, there has also been an on-going discussion regarding many aspects of international standards for statistics and related metadata within the Joint UNECE/Eurostat/OECD Work Sessions on Statistical Metadata.
There is a common understanding in statistical organizations that the use of common standards related to statistics and metadata is indispensable. The number and diversity of existing standards, however, makes it a challenge for statistical experts to understand them and incorporate them efficiently in the SMS global architecture.
The aim of Part B is therefore to offer SMS designers an overview of existing statistical metadata standards, concepts, models, best practices and other methodological materials, which are likely to be applicable when designing and implementing SMS. It is designed primarily as an Internet publication, so that it can be kept as up to date as possible.
When designing a SMS at the national level, both national and international standards should be taken into consideration. Bearing in mind that national standards often address very specific requirements, this publication is focused on international standards. However, it also includes information on some of the more important internationally available and/or applicable national models and practices (e.g. Cristal).
1.2 Scope
** To be drafted **