Level 1: Resource Discovery
Level 1 connection is the initial and the only required step for a resource to contribute to the ERDERA VP and serves as a foundation for higher connection levels. When a resource onboards at Level 1, it provides basic information about itself in a standardised, machine-interpretable way (i.e., ‘metadata for machines’).
The ERDERA VP utilizes a metadata model based on the ‘Data Catalogue Vocabulary’ (DCAT) for describing this minimal information for computers. DCAT is a widely used vocabulary, recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), also selected by the European Health Data Spaces (EHDS). The metadata model is hereafter referred to as the EJP RD VP metadata schema.
In this section, the ERDERA VP metadata schema is described along with the metadata items (properties) that describe the different types of resources. Understanding this metadata schema is essential for onboarding at Level 1 on the EJP RD VP Network. Following the description of the metadata schema, we present an outline of the different technical options to connect to the EJP RD VP Portal. All the options provided depend on the understanding of the EJP RD VP metadata schema and where your resource fits within it. The required metadata items and their implementations for connecting to the ERDERA VP at Level 1 are described in the next section of this document. Please note that the PURL links may be updated in future releases of the onboarding document and ERDERA Metadata Schema.