dcat:Distribution
The dcat:Distribution class describes an accessible form of a dataset — for example, a downloadable file, an API endpoint, or an archived package. In SDL, this entity is used to link scientific datasets with their physical or digital representations.
Definition
URI: http://www.w3.org/ns/dcat#Distribution
A dcat:Distribution represents an accessible form of a dcat:Dataset, such as a downloadable file or service endpoint.
Usage in SDL
In SDL, dcat:Distribution is used to:
- Represent downloadable datasets (CSV, NetCDF, JSON, etc.)
- Link to files in object stores or external archives
- Describe APIs or service-based access points
- Provide metadata for accessing and interpreting dataset content
Distributions are typically managed or referenced through the repository-service or generated during data publication workflows.
Properties
| Property | Description | Optional |
|---|---|---|
| dcterms:title | Human-readable name for the distribution | Yes |
| dcterms:description | Description of the file or service | Yes |
| dcat:downloadURL | URL where the distribution can be directly accessed | No |
| dcat:accessURL | Link to landing page or access service | Yes |
| dcat:mediaType | IANA media type (e.g., text/csv, application/json) |
No |
| dcat:byteSize | Size of the distribution in bytes | Yes |
| dcterms:format | File format, if known | Yes |
| dcterms:license | License for the distribution | Yes |
| dcterms:issued | Publication date | Yes |
| dcterms:modified | Last update date | Yes |
| dcterms:language | Language of the distribution content | Yes |
| foaf:page | Link to a human-readable documentation or page | Yes |
Composition
A dcat:Distribution may be associated with:
- One or more dcat:Dataset
- prov:Entity for provenance tracking
- rdf:type values such as sosa:Observation or prov:Entity when representing data products
ex:dist-co2-csv a dcat:Distribution , prov:Entity ;
dcterms:title "CSV Download" ;
dcat:mediaType "text/csv" ;
dcat:downloadURL <https://example.org/data/co2.csv> .
Example — Multiple Formats
ex:dataset-co2 a dcat:Dataset ;
dcterms:title "CO2 Emissions from Soil Cores" ;
dcat:distribution ex:dist-csv , ex:dist-nc .
ex:dist-csv a dcat:Distribution ;
dcat:mediaType "text/csv" ;
dcat:downloadURL <https://example.org/data/co2.csv> .
ex:dist-nc a dcat:Distribution ;
dcat:mediaType "application/netcdf" ;
dcat:downloadURL <https://example.org/data/co2.nc> .
Related Classes
- dcat:Dataset — parent of the distribution
- prov:Entity — distribution may carry provenance info
- foaf:Document — often used for static documentation
See Also
dcat:Distribution bridges the gap between abstract datasets and concrete data representations. In SDL, it plays a critical role in enabling reproducibility and accessibility.