scope:

This part of ISO/IEC 11179 provides procedures and techniques for associating data with classification schemes. Several components of data elements invite classification-components covered by ISO/IEC 11179-include object classes, properties, representations, value domains, and data element concepts, as well as data elements themselves. The procedures and techniques specified in ISO/IEC 11179-2 will enable Registration Authorities to apply classification schemes that better enable one to

- analyze object classes, data element concepts, and data elements

- make comparisons within the following categories: object classes, properties, representations, data element concepts, and data elements

- reduce the variety of data element concepts and data elements

- identify, describe, and define data element concepts and data elements unambiguously

- assist in the analysis of data elements for the purpose of assigning registration status

- address synonym and homonym problems

- retrieve data element concepts and data elements from a data register recognize relationships among data element concepts and data elements

- support the unique and unambiguous identification and referencing of object classes, data element concepts, and data elements in a manner that is linguistically neutral and information technology enabled.

The preparation of ISO/IEC 11179 has also been prompted by the need for standardized data design procedures that will ensure the emergence of data elements capable of supporting electronic data interchange. This part of ISO/IEC 11179 develops a set of principles, methods, and procedures for specifying what is needed (at a minimum) to document the association between the various components of a data element and one or more classification schemes. This includes the names, nonintelligent identifiers, definitions, and other aspects of the classification scheme and its contents. These can be captured through use of a set of attributes. Particular attributes are specified in this part of ISO/IEC 11179, along with a structure for the contents of these attributes. Users may extend the set of attributes as necessary. Additional information may accompany a taxonomy or ontology; for example, to provide a suggested set of qualifiers that could be applied to the object class, property, or representation taxa to more fully qualify the classification of the particular data element. This part of ISO/IEC 11179 builds upon and utilizes the basic attributes specified in ISO/IEC 11179-3 of ISO/IEC 11179.

An example included in 3.4 shows how selected components of data elements can be associated with a classification scheme through the attributes specified herein. Use of one or more classification schemes is intended to provide a sound conceptual basis for the development of metadata having enhanced semantic purity and design integrity.

ISO/IEC 11179-2 does not establish a particular classification scheme as preeminent. Sanction of a particular taxonomic approach and/or a particular epistemology is also beyond the scope of ISO/IEC 11179-2. These are addressed by other standards committees and/or tend to be tailored to a particular domain of discourse. The power of the classification scheme and the utility of the content are appropriate areas for competition. Other standards committees are developing or have developed normative languages for use in classification and/or particular techniques and structures that can be accommodated by ISO/IEC 11179-2. For example, the National Information Standards Organization (NISO) has developed a standard for development of a thesaurus. It is appropriate for each classification structure to be documented as to how it was developed and how it can be extended and maintained. Such attributes could be added, by the principle of extensibility, to the attributes specified in ISO/IEC 11179-2. They are not, however, included here.

Each Registration Authority, as described and specified in ISO/IEC 11179-6, may classify components of a data element according to the classification schemes, structures, and content that it deems appropriate. In documenting the classification aspects of data elements, the Registration Authority shall do so according to the principles, methods, procedures, and attributes specified in this part of ISO/IEC 11179.