ISEAL Core Metadata Set Specification
This page provides a reference specification for the ISEAL Core Metadata set (ISEAL Core).
ISEAL Core is a set of structured terms and vocabularies that can be used as metadata to describe, share, and reuse different digital resources across the ISEAL Community and broader set of stakeholders. The resources described using the ISEAL Core are those that sustainability systems typically collect, curate, manage, use, publish and archive. They may be datasets, published research, certificates, videos, images, maps, or other organizational documentation.
Clusters and Modules
Metadata elements in ISEAL Core are organized around three clusters and ten modules.
Global | Certification | Impact |
---|---|---|
Coverage | Assurance | Evaluation |
Form | Certificate | |
Provenance | Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization | |
Scope | Certified Resource or Site | |
Status |
Metadata Elements
ISEAL Core uses elements from the following standard metadata schemas:
- Dublin Core Elements with the
dc
namespace prefix. These were originally designated in 1995 and are considered deprecated and superseded by Dublin Core Terms. Due to legacy code in the DSpace software we must still use some of these. - Dublin Core Terms with the
dcterms
namespace prefix. These contain the original Dublin Core Terms and add others. As of 2008 these supercede the original Dublin Core Elements.
General guidelines for metadata using ISEAL Core:
- Encoding: metadata should be encoded in UTF-8 to ensure correct representation of international characters.
- Applicability: metadata should describe what the item is, not what it isn't. If a metadata element is not applicable you should not use it. Do not enter "N/A"!
Global Cluster
Coverage Module
Country ISO code | |
---|---|
Label | Country ISO code |
Module | Coverage |
Definition | Country code. Terms should be in ISO 3166-1 Alpha 2 format. |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.coverage.countryAlpha2 |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Country name | |
---|---|
Label | Country name |
Module | Coverage |
Definition | Full country name. Terms should be in ISO 3166-1 format. |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.coverage.country |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Geographic level | |
---|---|
Label | Geographic level |
Module | Coverage |
Definition | Level of geographic focus or coverage |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.coverage.geographicLevel |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Region name | |
---|---|
Label | Region name |
Module | Coverage |
Definition | Region where data was collected or the focus of the research described in the information product. Terms should be in UN M.49 format. |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.coverage.region |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Form Module
Abstract | |
---|---|
Label | Abstract |
Module | Form |
Definition | A narrative summary of the resource. |
Suggested element | dcterms.abstract |
Policy | Free value. Single value only. |
Access rights | |
---|---|
Label | Access rights |
Module | Form |
Definition | Information about rights held in and over the resource. |
Comment | Indicate whether the resource is confidential (and limited access), restricted (and limited access) or public (limited access or open access) |
Suggested element | dcterms.accessRights |
Policy | Controlled value. Single value only. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Audience | |
---|---|
Label | Audience |
Module | Form |
Definition | A class of entity for whom the resource is intended or useful |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | dcterms.audience |
Policy | Controlled value. Repeat values. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Availability | |
---|---|
Label | Availability |
Module | Form |
Definition | Indicate if the complete resource is available for use |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.availability.fullText |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
DOI | |
---|---|
Label | DOI |
Module | Form |
Definition | Digital object identifier - usually for articles and books/chapters |
Suggested element | is.identifier.doi |
Policy | Url. Repeat values. |
Extent | |
---|---|
Label | Extent |
Module | Form |
Definition | The size or duration of the resource; Usually the total pages or other dimensions |
Suggested element | dcterms.extent |
Policy | Free value. Single value only. |
Format | |
---|---|
Label | Format |
Module | Form |
Definition | The file format or physical medium of the resource |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | dcterms.format |
Policy | Controlled value. Single value only. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
ID | |
---|---|
Label | ID |
Module | Form |
Definition | Any ID associated with the item or resource. |
Comment | Use other elements for ISBN or DOI |
Suggested element | is.identifier.ID |
Policy | Free value. Single value only. |
ISBN | |
---|---|
Label | ISBN |
Module | Form |
Definition | International standard book number |
Suggested element | is.identifier.isbn |
Policy | Free value. Single value only. |
Language ISO code | |
---|---|
Label | Language ISO code |
Module | Form |
Definition | A language of the resource. Terms should be in lower case ISO 639-1 (aka Alpha 2) format. |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | dcterms.language |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Language name | |
---|---|
Label | Language name |
Module | Form |
Definition | Popular name for the language of the resource |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.language |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Number | |
---|---|
Label | Number |
Module | Form |
Definition | Journal article issue number, series number, or any other identifying number |
Suggested element | is.extent.number |
Policy | Free value. Single value only. |
Pagination | |
---|---|
Label | Pagination |
Module | Form |
Definition | Start/end pagination of a journal article or chapter |
Suggested element | is.extent.pages |
Policy | Free value. Single value only. |
Type
Required
|
|
---|---|
Label | Type |
Module | Form |
Definition | The nature, type or genre of the resource |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | dcterms.type |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Usage rights license | |
---|---|
Label | Usage rights license |
Module | Form |
Definition | A legal document giving official permission to do something with a resource |
Comment | Normally the type of license, indicated by a short name/code - Select from control list |
Suggested element | dcterms.license |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Volume number | |
---|---|
Label | Volume number |
Module | Form |
Definition | Journal article volume number |
Suggested element | is.extent.volume |
Policy | Free value. Single value only. |
Provenance Module
Funding source type | |
---|---|
Label | Funding source type |
Module | Provenance |
Definition | An agreed typology of funder types |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.contributor.funderType |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
ISEAL member contributor
Required
|
|
---|---|
Label | ISEAL member contributor |
Module | Provenance |
Definition | Association with an ISEAL member organization or scheme |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.contributor.member |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Journal name | |
---|---|
Label | Journal name |
Module | Provenance |
Definition | Journal full name in its original language |
Suggested element | is.journalName |
Policy | Free value. Single value only. |
Organization Bluenumber ID | |
---|---|
Label | Organization Bluenumber ID |
Module | Provenance |
Suggested element | is.organization.bluenumber |
Policy | Free value. Repeat values. |
Publication place | |
---|---|
Label | Publication place |
Module | Provenance |
Definition | City, country |
Suggested element | is.item.publicationPlace |
Policy | Free value. Single value only. |
Scope Module
ISEAL code clause number | |
---|---|
Label | ISEAL code clause number |
Module | Scope |
Definition | Associated specific clause(s) from an ISEAL code of practice |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.identifier.clause |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
ISEAL code name | |
---|---|
Label | ISEAL code name |
Module | Scope |
Definition | Associated ISEAL code(s) of practice |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.identifier.code |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
ISEAL Delta project sustainability indicator | |
---|---|
Label | ISEAL Delta project sustainability indicator |
Module | Scope |
Definition | Farm-level, outcome/impact indicators across the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.delta.sustainIndicator |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
ISEAL strategic pillar | |
---|---|
Label | ISEAL strategic pillar |
Module | Scope |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.focus.strategyPillar |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
ISEAL system element | |
---|---|
Label | ISEAL system element |
Module | Scope |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.focus.systemElement |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Product focus | |
---|---|
Label | Product focus |
Module | Scope |
Definition | Certified commodites or products |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.focus.products |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
SDG focus | |
---|---|
Label | SDG focus |
Module | Scope |
Definition | Association to sustainable development goal(s) |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.focus.sdg |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Sector focus | |
---|---|
Label | Sector focus |
Module | Scope |
Definition | Sectors that the resource covers |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.focus.sectors |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Sustainability cross-cutting lens | |
---|---|
Label | Sustainability cross-cutting lens |
Module | Scope |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.focus.sustainLens |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Sustainability dimension | |
---|---|
Label | Sustainability dimension |
Module | Scope |
Definition | The primary sustainability focus of the the resource |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.focus.sustainDimension |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Sustainability issue | |
---|---|
Label | Sustainability issue |
Module | Scope |
Definition | Specific sustainability issue(s) covered in the resource |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.focus.sustainIssue |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Sustainability outcome | |
---|---|
Label | Sustainability outcome |
Module | Scope |
Definition | Specific sustainability outcome(s) covered in the resource |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.focus.sustainOutcome |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Sustainability scheme name | |
---|---|
Label | Sustainability scheme name |
Module | Scope |
Definition | Name of certification scheme or body associated with the resource |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.identifier.schemeName |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Sustainability scheme type | |
---|---|
Label | Sustainability scheme type |
Module | Scope |
Definition | The approach that best characterizes the sustainability scheme covered by the resource |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.identifier.schemeType |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Status Module
Edition | |
---|---|
Label | Edition |
Module | Status |
Suggested element | is.extent.edition |
Policy | Free value. Single value only. |
Peer review status | |
---|---|
Label | Peer review status |
Module | Status |
Definition | Whether the resource has been peer reviewed |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.item.reviewStatus |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Standard status | |
---|---|
Label | Standard status |
Module | Status |
Definition | Status of development of a standard |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.identifier.standardStatus |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Status
Required
|
|
---|---|
Label | Status |
Module | Status |
Definition | The stage the resource has reached |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.item.status |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certification Cluster
Assurance Module
Certifying body accreditation status | |
---|---|
Label | Certifying body accreditation status |
Module | Assurance |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.certifyingBody.accreditationStatus |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certifying body accredited geographic scope | |
---|---|
Label | Certifying body accredited geographic scope |
Module | Assurance |
Definition | Countries the body is certified to work in. Terms should be in ISO 3166-1 format. |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.certifyingBody.accreditedGeoScope |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certifying body accredited technical scope | |
---|---|
Label | Certifying body accredited technical scope |
Module | Assurance |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.certifyingBody.accreditedTechScope |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certifying body accredited technical scope type | |
---|---|
Label | Certifying body accredited technical scope type |
Module | Assurance |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.certifyingBody.accreditedTechScopeType |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certifying body ASI accreditation code | |
---|---|
Label | Certifying body ASI accreditation code |
Module | Assurance |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.certifyingBody.asiCode |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certifying body country | |
---|---|
Label | Certifying body country |
Module | Assurance |
Definition | Full country name. Terms should be in ISO 3166-1 format. |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.certifyingBody.country |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certifying body name | |
---|---|
Label | Certifying body name |
Module | Assurance |
Definition | Entity assuring/assessing the status and performance of a certificate holder/owner |
Suggested element | is.certifyingBody.name |
Policy | Controlled value. Single value only. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certifying body postcode | |
---|---|
Label | Certifying body postcode |
Module | Assurance |
Definition | Full postcode of an address |
Suggested element | is.certifyingBody.postcode |
Policy | Free value. Single value only. |
Certifying body program or scheme accredited for | |
---|---|
Label | Certifying body program or scheme accredited for |
Module | Assurance |
Definition | Scheme names the body is certified for |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.certifyingBody.schemeAccredited |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certifying body website url | |
---|---|
Label | Certifying body website url |
Module | Assurance |
Definition | URL of the organization |
Suggested element | is.certifyingBody.url |
Policy | Url. Single value only. |
Certificate Module
Certificate code, number or ID | |
---|---|
Label | Certificate code, number or ID |
Module | Certificate |
Definition | Certificate ID code |
Suggested element | is.certificate.ID |
Policy | Free value. Single value only. |
Certificate coverage type | |
---|---|
Label | Certificate coverage type |
Module | Certificate |
Definition | Whether a certificate covers single or multiple locations |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.certificate.locations |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certificate license status | |
---|---|
Label | Certificate license status |
Module | Certificate |
Definition | Whether a certificate license is valid or suspended |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.certificate.licenseStatus |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certificate ownership type | |
---|---|
Label | Certificate ownership type |
Module | Certificate |
Definition | Whether a certificate covers individual or group owners |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.certificate.ownership |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certificate scope | |
---|---|
Label | Certificate scope |
Module | Certificate |
Definition | Terms describing the scope of a certificate |
Suggested element | is.certificate.scope |
Policy | Free value. Single value only. |
Certificate status | |
---|---|
Label | Certificate status |
Module | Certificate |
Definition | The current status of a certificate |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.certificate.status |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certificate type | |
---|---|
Label | Certificate type |
Module | Certificate |
Definition | Type of certificate |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.certificate.type |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization Module
Certificate holder, owner or certified organization country | |
---|---|
Label | Certificate holder, owner or certified organization country |
Module | Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization |
Definition | Full country name. Terms should be in ISO 3166-1 format. |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.certifiedOrganization.country |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certificate holder, owner or certified organization role | |
---|---|
Label | Certificate holder, owner or certified organization role |
Module | Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization |
Definition | The role(s) an organzation plays in a supply chain |
Comment | ITC database |
Suggested element | is.certifiedOrganization.role |
Policy | Controlled value. Multi select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Certified Resource or Site Module
Certified site ID | |
---|---|
Label | Certified site ID |
Module | Certified Resource or Site |
Definition | Certified site ID code |
Suggested element | is.certificate.siteID |
Policy | Free value. Single value only. |
Certified site latitude and longitude location coordinates detail | |
---|---|
Label | Certified site latitude and longitude location coordinates detail |
Module | Certified Resource or Site |
Definition | Specific details on the coordinates and how collected/measured |
Suggested element | is.certifiedSite.coordDetail |
Policy | Controlled value. Single value only. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Impact Cluster
Evaluation Module
Evaluation author directionality | |
---|---|
Label | Evaluation author directionality |
Module | Evaluation |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.evaluation.authorDirectionality |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Evaluation comparison | |
---|---|
Label | Evaluation comparison |
Module | Evaluation |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.evaluation.comparison |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Evaluation counterfactuals | |
---|---|
Label | Evaluation counterfactuals |
Module | Evaluation |
Definition | yes, no, not applicable |
Suggested element | is.evaluation.counterfacts |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Evaluation data source | |
---|---|
Label | Evaluation data source |
Module | Evaluation |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.evaluation.dataSource |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Evaluation data/evidence collection method | |
---|---|
Label | Evaluation data/evidence collection method |
Module | Evaluation |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.evaluation.collection |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Evaluation findings | |
---|---|
Label | Evaluation findings |
Module | Evaluation |
Definition | Summary of the key finding of an evaluative study |
Suggested element | is.evaluation.findings |
Policy | Free value. Repeat values. |
Evaluation no difference directionality | |
---|---|
Label | Evaluation no difference directionality |
Module | Evaluation |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.evaluation.noDifferenceDirectionality |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Evaluation notes | |
---|---|
Label | Evaluation notes |
Module | Evaluation |
Definition | Notes from a study, not elsewhere covered |
Suggested element | is.evaluation.notes |
Policy | Free value. Repeat values. |
Evaluation outcome identified? | |
---|---|
Label | Evaluation outcome identified? |
Module | Evaluation |
Definition | yes, no, not applicable |
Suggested element | is.evaluation.outcome |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Evaluation quotes on impact | |
---|---|
Label | Evaluation quotes on impact |
Module | Evaluation |
Definition | Quotes from an evaluative study |
Suggested element | is.evaluation.quotes |
Policy | Free value. Repeat values. |
Evaluation statistical significance | |
---|---|
Label | Evaluation statistical significance |
Module | Evaluation |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.evaluation.significance |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Evaluation statistical test | |
---|---|
Label | Evaluation statistical test |
Module | Evaluation |
Suggested element | is.evaluation.test |
Policy | Free value. Repeat values. |
Evaluation study scope | |
---|---|
Label | Evaluation study scope |
Module | Evaluation |
Suggested element | is.evaluation.scope |
Policy | Free value. Repeat values. |
Evidence resource subtype | |
---|---|
Label | Evidence resource subtype |
Module | Evaluation |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.evidenceSubType |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Evidence resource type | |
---|---|
Label | Evidence resource type |
Module | Evaluation |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.evidenceResourceType |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Evidence type or category | |
---|---|
Label | Evidence type or category |
Module | Evaluation |
Comment | Select from control list |
Suggested element | is.evidenceType |
Policy | Controlled value. Single select from control list. |
Vocabulary | vocabulary.txt |
Download
The ISEAL Core schema is available for download in two formats:
Turtle
Terse RDF Triple Language (TTL). Use this format when you need to validate metadata against ISEAL Core programmatically.
DownloadCSV
Comma-separated Values (CSV). Use this format when you just need a quick and easy offline reference.
DownloadSchema Extensions
Feedback
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