Sprecher
Beschreibung
Embedding semantics in research metadata is essential for improving interoperability across datasets and for implementing the FAIR principles. The HMC Hub Earth and Environment is developing a coordinated, community-driven strategy to support the consistent and sustainable use of semantics in Earth and Environment research and to contribute to cross-domain semantic harmonization within the Helmholtz Association.
Central to this effort is the working group AK Metadaten-Semantik, now integrated into the DataHub, which provides a collaborative framework for aligning semantic practices across institutions. The group addresses key semantic dimensions such as observable properties, measurement instruments, and methodologies, and serves as a platform to identify gaps, overlaps, and shared needs across communities and research areas. As a concrete reference implementation, the group is developing a prototype community vocabulary for device types in Earth and Environment research.
The resulting semantic strategy focuses on four core aspects: guidance on navigating and evaluating existing semantic resources; identification of essential metadata elements for semantic annotation; assessment of tools required for practical semantic implementation, including AI-based approaches; and moderation of community processes for agreeing on shared vocabularies and governance structures.
Recommendations and discussion outcomes are published transparently via the HMC Earth and Environment Wiki. Overall, the strategy aims to establish a common semantic foundation, practical guidlines and supportive tools to enable sustainable, interoperable data infrastructures in the field of Earth and the environment and beyond.