British Oceanographic Data Centre Parameter Discovery Vocabulary

The BODC Parameter Discovery Vocabulary may be used to either label parameters in data set discovery metadata records (e.g. ISO19115) or provide a term layer in a hierarchical discovery interface for data marked up with the BODC Data Markup Vocabulary.

The vocabulary consists of a key (a 4-byte alphanumeric string) plus a descriptive term and an explanatory definition field. The key is included as a field in the BODC Data Markup Vocabulary thus implementing a one-to-many mapping between the two vocabularies.

The value of the vocabulary in a hierarchical discovery interface is enhanced by many-to-many mappings to coarser granularity ‘data categories’. A mapping to the EU SEA_SEARCH project Agreed Parameter Groups (37 categories) has been completed, with a mapping to the NASA Global Change Master Directory Parameter Valids under development.

The vocabulary currently has nearly 300 entries covering physical, chemical, biological and geological oceanographic parameter classes.