Datamap

The Datamap extension supports annotation of data fragments within the ARC Abstract Model. It addresses situations where describing a file as a whole is too broad to express the meaning of its contents.

#Giving annotations a precise target

A file may contain several variables or kinds of information. An annotation needs to make clear which part it describes, so that a reader or application can connect the context with the intended data.

Datamap supports this more specific scope. It contributes to semantic context by connecting scientific descriptions with selected parts of a resource, while keeping them related to the wider dataset.

#A shared example

Consider a table of experimental measurements. Different columns may contain different variables and use different units. Associating each description with its relevant column prevents a unit or variable name from appearing to apply to the whole table.

The same dataset may also contain a derived analysis result. Provenance metadata connects that result to the analysis and its input measurements; administrative metadata describes identity, contributors, and reuse conditions. Fragment annotations add precision to this connected context.

#From annotation to publication

ISA-XLSX includes support for file-fragment annotation within its extended tabular descriptions. The ISA-based workspace profile connects these metadata with research resources during active work.

When preparing ARC RO-Crate, preserving the target of an annotation matters alongside preserving its text, value, or vocabulary reference. Keeping the file alone does not explain which portion a description concerns. This overview introduces that purpose without prescribing a fragment syntax or conformance rules.