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.

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 These were originally designated in 1995 and are considered deprecated and superseded by Dublin Core Terms.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	Official country name. Terms should be in ISO 3166-1 format
Comment	Select from control list. Data element used by Evidensia
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

Latitude location coordinate for the resource or its focus
Label	Latitude location coordinate for the resource or its focus
Module	Coverage
Definition	Use for polygons, shapes, study sites etc. Latitude location coordinates should be recorded in decimal degrees (DD). Recording 4 digits to the right of the decimal provides an accuracy of 10m
Comment	Example of a latitude in Bolivia: -16.9013
Suggested element	is.coverage.latitude
Policy	Geo value. Single value only.

Longitude location coordinate for the resource or its focus
Label	Longitude location coordinate for the resource or its focus
Module	Coverage
Definition	Use for polygons, shapes, study sites etc. Longitude location coordinates should be recorded in decimal degrees (DD). Recording 4 digits to the right of the decimal provides an accuracy of 10m
Comment	Example of a longitude in Bolivia: -62.0244
Suggested element	is.coverage.longitude
Policy	Geo value. Single value only.

Place name
Label	Place name
Module	Coverage
Definition	Name(s) of specific places, sites, towns, cities, districts, etc. that the resource is about
Suggested element	is.coverage.place
Policy	Geo value. Repeat values.

Region name
Label	Region name
Module	Coverage
Definition	Region where data was collected or the focus of the research described in the resource. 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	Narrative summary of the resource
Comment	Data element used by Evidensia
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	Whether the complete resource is available for use
Comment	Select from control list. Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	is.availability.fullText
Policy	Controlled value. Single select from control list.
Vocabulary	vocabulary.txt

Citation
Label	Citation
Module	Form
Definition	Sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible
Comment	consistent style recommended. Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	dcterms.bibliographicCitation
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

DOI
Label	DOI
Module	Form
Definition	Digital object identifier - usually for articles and books/chapters
Comment	Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	is.identifier.doi
Policy	Url. Repeat values.

Extent
Label	Extent
Module	Form
Definition	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	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. Data element used by Evidensia
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	Official 2 letter ISO language code 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

Link to a URL
Label	Link to a URL
Module	Form
Definition	Internet link to any other associated item
Comment	Try to always link to any standard and permament identifier (eg, not a PDF). Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	is.link.url
Policy	Url. Repeat values.

Link to an image, photo or other multimedia
Label	Link to an image, photo or other multimedia
Module	Form
Definition	Internet link to an associated image
Comment	Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	is.link.image
Policy	Url. Repeat values.

Notes
Label	Notes
Module	Form
Definition	An account of the resource
Comment	Any additional information about the resource not covered in any other element
Suggested element	dcterms.description
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

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	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

Uniform Resource Identifier
Label	Uniform Resource Identifier
Module	Form
Definition	Usually assigned by a repository, eg a handle address in a DSpace repository
Comment	Note: using legacy “dc” namespace due to limitations with the DSpace institutional repository software.
Suggested element	dc.identifier.uri
Policy	Url. Single value only.

Usage license holder
Label	Usage license holder
Module	Form
Definition	Person(s) or organization(s) owning or managing rights over a resource
Comment	License holder of the resource
Suggested element	dcterms.rightsHolder
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Usage rights license
Label	Usage rights license
Module	Form
Definition	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

Author ORCID identifier
Label	Author ORCID identifier
Module	Provenance
Definition	ORCID identifier of individuals
Comment	Assign for each author
Suggested element	is.author.orcid
Policy	Free value. Repeat values.

Authors Required
Label	Authors
Module	Provenance
Definition	Persons or organizations intellectually responsible for the content of the resource
Comment	Consistent style recommended. Use resources like ORCID or ROR. Note: using legacy “dc” namespace due to limitations with the DSpace institutional repository software. Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	dc.contributor.author
Policy	Free value. Repeat values.

Contact email
Label	Contact email
Module	Provenance
Definition	Email address of an organization or person that can be contacted about the resource
Comment	Avoid addresses that are short-lived; check permission first
Suggested element	is.contact.email
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Contact name
Label	Contact name
Module	Provenance
Definition	Name of an organization or person that can be contacted about the resource
Comment	Avoid links that are short-lived; check permission first
Suggested element	is.contact.name
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Funding source name
Label	Funding source name
Module	Provenance
Definition	Full name(s) of funders/investors that sponsored the resource
Comment	Usually the full name of an organization. Use resources like ROR.
Suggested element	is.contributor.funder
Policy	Free value. Repeat values.

Funding source type
Label	Funding source type
Module	Provenance
Definition	Funder or investor types
Comment	Select from control list. Data element used by Evidensia
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	ISEAL Member organization or scheme associated to the resource
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
Comment	Data element used by Evidensia
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.

Organization ROR ID
Label	Organization ROR ID
Module	Provenance
Definition	ROR ID for an organization
Comment	Assign for resources associated to organizations
Suggested element	is.organization.ror
Policy	Free value. Repeat values.

Other titles
Label	Other titles
Module	Provenance
Definition	Alternative name for the resource
Comment	eg, the title another language; Only if explicitly mentioned on the resource
Suggested element	dcterms.alternative
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Publication place
Label	Publication place
Module	Provenance
Definition	City and country name
Comment	Usually entered as: City, country
Suggested element	is.item.publicationPlace
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Publisher Required
Label	Publisher
Module	Provenance
Definition	Entity or entities responsible for making the resource available.
Comment	Usually the name of an organization. Use resources like ROR. Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	dcterms.publisher
Policy	Free value. Repeat values.

Series name
Label	Series name
Module	Provenance
Definition	A related resource or series of resources in which the described resource is physically or logically included
Comment	Only if explicitly mentioned on the resource
Suggested element	dcterms.isPartOf
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Title Required
Label	Title
Module	Provenance
Definition	Full official name given to a resource
Comment	Note: using legacy “dc” namespace due to limitations with the DSpace institutional repository software. Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	dc.title
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Scope Module

ISEAL code clause number
Label	ISEAL code clause number
Module	Scope
Definition	ISEAL code of practice specific clause(s) associated to the resource
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	ISEAL code(s) of practice associated to the resource
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. Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	is.focus.products
Policy	Controlled value. Multi select from control list.
Vocabulary	vocabulary.txt

Product GTIN
Label	Product GTIN
Module	Scope
Definition	Global Trade Item Numbers of products and items traded
Comment	Mainly used with barcodes assigned to products
Suggested element	is.focus.gtin
Policy	Free value. Repeat values.

SDG focus
Label	SDG focus
Module	Scope
Definition	Sustainable development goal(s) associated to the resource
Comment	Select from control list. Data element used by Evidensia
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. Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	is.focus.sectors
Policy	Controlled value. Multi select from control list.
Vocabulary	vocabulary.txt

Standard ID or code
Label	Standard ID or code
Module	Scope
Definition	Official code describing or assigned to a standard
Comment	For example “FSC-DIR-40-004”.
Suggested element	is.identifier.standardCode
Policy	Free value. Repeat values.

Subject focus
Label	Subject focus
Module	Scope
Definition	Keywords that help to describe the resource content or coverage. The topic or thematic focus of the resource.
Comment	Select from control list
Suggested element	dcterms.subject
Policy	Free value. Repeat values.

Sustainability cross-cutting lens
Label	Sustainability cross-cutting lens
Module	Scope
Comment	Select from control list. Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	is.focus.sustainLens
Policy	Controlled value. Multi select from control list.
Vocabulary	vocabulary.txt

Sustainability dimension
Label	Sustainability dimension
Module	Scope
Definition	Primary sustainability focus of the the resource
Comment	Select from control list. Data element used by Evidensia
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. Data element used by Evidensia
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. Data element used by Evidensia
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. Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	is.identifier.schemeType
Policy	Controlled value. Multi select from control list.
Vocabulary	vocabulary.txt

Status Module

Date accessioned by system
Label	Date accessioned by system
Module	Status
Definition	Date a system takes possession of item
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible. Note: using legacy “dc” namespace due to limitations with the DSpace institutional repository software.
Suggested element	dc.date.accessioned
Policy	Date. Single value only.

Date available through a system
Label	Date available through a system
Module	Status
Definition	Date or date range item became available to the public
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible. Note: using legacy “dc” namespace due to limitations with the DSpace institutional repository software.
Suggested element	dc.date.available
Policy	Date. Single value only.

Date changed
Label	Date changed
Module	Status
Definition	Date when the resource was changed
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible.
Suggested element	dcterms.modified
Policy	Date. Single value only.

Date created
Label	Date created
Module	Status
Definition	Date of creation of the resource
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible.
Suggested element	dcterms.created
Policy	Date. Single value only.

Date issued or published Required
Label	Date issued or published
Module	Status
Definition	Date of formal issuance (e.g., publication) of the resource
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible. Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	dcterms.issued
Policy	Date. Single value only.

Date of version
Label	Date of version
Module	Status
Definition	Date as indicated on the resource
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible.
Suggested element	is.dateOfVersion
Policy	Date. Single value only.

Date reviewed
Label	Date reviewed
Module	Status
Definition	Date the resource was, is, or will be reviewed
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible.
Suggested element	is.dateReviewed
Policy	Date. Repeat values.

Date revised
Label	Date revised
Module	Status
Definition	Date the resource was, is, or will be revised
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible.
Suggested element	is.dateRevised
Policy	Date. Repeat values.

Date submitted
Label	Date submitted
Module	Status
Definition	Date when the resource is submitted to a repository or database
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible.
Suggested element	dcterms.dateSubmitted
Policy	Date. Single value only.

Edition
Label	Edition
Module	Status
Suggested element	is.extent.edition
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Is replaced by another item or resource
Label	Is replaced by another item or resource
Module	Status
Definition	A related resource that supplants, displaces, or supersedes the described resource
Comment	Normally a link to a later or improved resource
Suggested element	dcterms.isReplacedBy
Policy	Url. 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 date of version 1
Label	Standard date of version 1
Module	Status
Definition	Date when version 1 of a standard was first issued
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible.
Suggested element	is.dateOfVersion1
Policy	Date. Single value only.

Standard effective date
Label	Standard effective date
Module	Status
Definition	Effective date of a code/standard or other resource
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible.
Suggested element	dcterms.valid
Policy	Date. Single value only.

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	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

Version number
Label	Version number
Module	Status
Definition	Version number of a resource
Comment	Only if explicitly mentioned on the resource
Suggested element	is.extent.version
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certification Cluster

Assurance Module

Certifying body accreditation end date
Label	Certifying body accreditation end date
Module	Assurance
Definition	Date when a bodys accreditation begins
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible.
Suggested element	is.certifyingBody.accreditationEndDate
Policy	Date. Single value only.

Certifying body accreditation start date
Label	Certifying body accreditation start date
Module	Assurance
Definition	Date when a bodys accreditation ends
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible.
Suggested element	is.certifyingBody.accreditationStartDate
Policy	Date. Single value only.

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 address city
Label	Certifying body address city
Module	Assurance
Definition	Complete name of a city or town in an address
Suggested element	is.certifyingBody.city
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certifying body address country
Label	Certifying body address 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 address email address
Label	Certifying body address email address
Module	Assurance
Definition	Email address of an organization
Suggested element	is.certifyingBody.email
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certifying body address latitude location coordinate
Label	Certifying body address latitude location coordinate
Module	Assurance
Definition	Latitude location coordinates in decimal degrees (DD). Recording 4 digits to the right of the decimal provides an accuracy of 10m
Comment	Example of a latitude coordinate in Bolivia: -16.9013
Suggested element	is.certifyingBody.addressLat
Policy	Geo value. Single value only.

Certifying body address longitude location coordinate
Label	Certifying body address longitude location coordinate
Module	Assurance
Definition	Longitude location coordinates in decimal degrees (DD). Recording 4 digits to the right of the decimal provides an accuracy of 10m
Comment	Example of a longitude coordinate in Bolivia: -62.0244
Suggested element	is.certifyingBody.addressLong
Policy	Geo value. Single value only.

Certifying body address phone country code
Label	Certifying body address phone country code
Module	Assurance
Definition	International subscriber dialing (ISD) codes
Suggested element	is.certifyingBody.phoneCountryCode
Policy	Numeric value. Single value only.

Certifying body address phone number
Label	Certifying body address phone number
Module	Assurance
Definition	Official contact phone number of the organization - without country code
Suggested element	is.certifyingBody.phoneNumber
Policy	Numeric value. Single value only.

Certifying body address postcode
Label	Certifying body address postcode
Module	Assurance
Definition	Full postcode of an address
Suggested element	is.certifyingBody.postcode
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certifying body address street name
Label	Certifying body address street name
Module	Assurance
Definition	Full street name and number of an address
Suggested element	is.certifyingBody.streetName
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certifying body address website url
Label	Certifying body address website url
Module	Assurance
Definition	URL of the organization
Suggested element	is.certifyingBody.url
Policy	Url. Single value only.

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 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 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 standards accredited for
Label	Certifying body standards accredited for
Module	Assurance
Definition	Standard a body is accredited for - the official ID of the standard
Suggested element	is.certifyingBody.standardAccredited
Policy	Free value. Repeat values.

Certifying body standards certified for
Label	Certifying body standards certified for
Module	Assurance
Definition	Standard a body can certify for - the official ID of the standard
Suggested element	is.certifyingBody.standardCertified
Policy	Free value. Repeat values.

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 current duration
Label	Certificate current duration
Module	Certificate
Definition	The number of months a certificate is valid for
Suggested element	is.certificate.duration
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certificate current end date
Label	Certificate current end date
Module	Certificate
Definition	End date for the current certificate
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible.
Suggested element	is.certificate.endDate
Policy	Date. Single value only.

Certificate current start date
Label	Certificate current start date
Module	Certificate
Definition	Start date for the current certificate
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible.
Suggested element	is.certificate.startDate
Policy	Date. Single value only.

Certificate first issue date
Label	Certificate first issue date
Module	Certificate
Definition	First issue date for the certificate
Comment	Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. At the very least you must enter the year, but month and day is better if possible.
Suggested element	is.certificate.firstStartDate
Policy	Date. Single value only.

Certificate license code
Label	Certificate license code
Module	Certificate
Definition	License applied to a certificate
Suggested element	is.certificate.licenseCode
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

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 address city
Label	Certificate holder address city
Module	Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization
Definition	Complete name of a city or town in an address
Suggested element	is.certifiedOrganization.city
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certificate holder address country
Label	Certificate holder address 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 address email address
Label	Certificate holder address email address
Module	Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization
Definition	Email address of an organization
Suggested element	is.certifiedOrganization.email
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certificate holder address latitude location coordinate
Label	Certificate holder address latitude location coordinate
Module	Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization
Definition	Latitude location coordinates in decimal degrees (DD). Recording 4 digits to the right of the decimal provides an accuracy of 10m
Comment	Example of a latitude coordinate in Bolivia: -16.9013
Suggested element	is.certifiedOrganization.addressLat
Policy	Geo value. Single value only.

Certificate holder address longitude location coordinate
Label	Certificate holder address longitude location coordinate
Module	Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization
Definition	Longitude location coordinates in decimal degrees (DD). Recording 4 digits to the right of the decimal provides an accuracy of 10m
Comment	Example of a longitude coordinate in Bolivia: -62.0244
Suggested element	is.certifiedOrganization.addressLong
Policy	Geo value. Single value only.

Certificate holder address phone country code
Label	Certificate holder address phone country code
Module	Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization
Definition	International subscriber dialing (ISD) codes
Suggested element	is.certifiedOrganization.phoneCountryCode
Policy	Numeric value. Single value only.

Certificate holder address phone number
Label	Certificate holder address phone number
Module	Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization
Definition	Official contact phone number of the organization - without country code
Suggested element	is.certifiedOrganization.phoneNumber
Policy	Numeric value. Single value only.

Certificate holder address postcode
Label	Certificate holder address postcode
Module	Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization
Definition	Full postcode of an address
Suggested element	is.certifiedOrganization.postCode
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certificate holder address street name
Label	Certificate holder address street name
Module	Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization
Definition	Full street name and number of an address
Suggested element	is.certifiedOrganization.streetName
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certificate holder address website url
Label	Certificate holder address website url
Module	Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization
Definition	URL of the organization
Suggested element	is.certifiedOrganization.url
Policy	Url. Single value only.

Certificate holder GLN
Label	Certificate holder GLN
Module	Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization
Definition	Global Location Number of companies to identify their locations
Suggested element	is.certifiedOrganization.gln
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certificate holder ID
Label	Certificate holder ID
Module	Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization
Definition	A number or other consistent code assigned to a certificate holder by a certifying body or scheme
Suggested element	is.certifiedOrganizationID
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certificate holder name
Label	Certificate holder name
Module	Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization
Definition	Entity or individual certified to produce or market a product under the terms of the certificate
Suggested element	is.certifiedOrganization.name
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certificate holder role
Label	Certificate holder role
Module	Certificate Holder, Owner or Certified organization
Definition	Role(s) organization 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 admin area
Label	Certified site admin area
Module	Certified Resource or Site
Comment	Area in hectares
Suggested element	is.certifiedSite.adminArea
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certified site analysis area
Label	Certified site analysis area
Module	Certified Resource or Site
Comment	Area in hectares
Suggested element	is.certifiedSite.analysisArea
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certified site area
Label	Certified site area
Module	Certified Resource or Site
Definition	Total area certified (in hectares). For a group certificate, this would be the sum of the area of all certified farms in the certificate
Suggested element	is.certifiedSite.area
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

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

Certified site latitude location coordinate
Label	Certified site latitude location coordinate
Module	Certified Resource or Site
Definition	Latitude location coordinates in decimal degrees (DD). Recording 4 digits to the right of the decimal provides an accuracy of 10m
Comment	Example of a latitude coordinate in Bolivia: -16.9013
Suggested element	is.certifiedSite.lat
Policy	Geo value. Single value only.

Certified site location name
Label	Certified site location name
Module	Certified Resource or Site
Definition	The normal name used to describe the location
Suggested element	is.certifiedSite.locationName
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certified site longitude location coordinate
Label	Certified site longitude location coordinate
Module	Certified Resource or Site
Definition	Longitude location coordinates in decimal degrees (DD). Recording 4 digits to the right of the decimal provides an accuracy of 10m
Comment	Example of a longitude coordinate in Bolivia: -62.0244
Suggested element	is.certifiedSite.long
Policy	Geo value. Single value only.

Certified site natural ecosystem set-aside
Label	Certified site natural ecosystem set-aside
Module	Certified Resource or Site
Comment	Area in hectares
Suggested element	is.certifiedSite.naturalSetAside
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certified site production area
Label	Certified site production area
Module	Certified Resource or Site
Comment	Area in hectares
Suggested element	is.certifiedSite.productionArea
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certified site restoration set-aside
Label	Certified site restoration set-aside
Module	Certified Resource or Site
Comment	Area in hectares
Suggested element	is.certifiedSite.restorationSetAside
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Certified sites number covered by the certificate
Label	Certified sites number covered by the certificate
Module	Certified Resource or Site
Definition	The number of individual sites covered by a certificate
Suggested element	is.certificate.sites
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Impact Cluster

Evaluation Module

Evaluation author directionality
Label	Evaluation author directionality
Module	Evaluation
Comment	Select from control list. Data element used by Evidensia
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. Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	is.evaluation.comparison
Policy	Controlled value. Single select from control list.
Vocabulary	vocabulary.txt

Evaluation counterfactuals
Label	Evaluation counterfactuals
Module	Evaluation
Comment	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. Data element used by Evidensia
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. Data element used by Evidensia
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
Comment	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 recommendations
Label	Evaluation recommendations
Module	Evaluation
Definition	Recommendations from an evaluative study
Suggested element	is.evaluation.recommendations
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
Comment	Data element used by Evidensia
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. Data element used by Evidensia
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. Data element used by Evidensia
Suggested element	is.evidenceResourceType
Policy	Controlled value. Single select from control list.
Vocabulary	vocabulary.txt

Evidence summary
Label	Evidence summary
Module	Evaluation
Definition	Narrative summary of the evidence presented in the resource
Suggested element	is.evidenceSummary
Policy	Free value. Single value only.

Evidence type or category
Label	Evidence type or category
Module	Evaluation
Comment	Select from control list. Data element used by Evidensia
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:

Schema Extensions

• Forest Stewardship Council

Credits

The ISEAL Core Metadata Set and FSC extension were compiled by Peter Ballantyne drawing on reviews of information systems and conversations with individuals in several organizations, notably FSC and ISEAL. The metadata were reviewed, improved and published on GitHub by Alan Orth and Marie-Angelique Laporte. Elizabeth Kennedy oversaw the data implementations and Julie Smith provided overall project management. For more information about the development of these resources please see https://www.isealalliance.org/isealcoremetadata.

Feedback

If you have questions/comments please contact Tim May (tim@isealalliance.org).