The Catalogue is structured around 26 standard metadata attributes. Note that not all attributes are available for all records.

For further information, see the Guide on Metadata Attributes

Identifier – A unique sequence of numbers, letters and/or symbols (or any combination of) used to identify a data asset.  

Title – A unique, clear, and descriptive name for the data asset.  

Description – Information to help users evaluate the data asset for their own needs.  

Data custodian – The agency responsible for, and with the authority to share the data asset  

Point of contact – An email address or contact web form for users to request additional information about the data asset.

Access rights – The level of access (or restrictions) applied to the data asset. 

Security classification – The classification applied to the data asset as specified by the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework.

Keyword – Words or terms that describe the subject matter of the data asset.

Resource type – The type of data asset (for example it can be a dataset, image, or model). 

Date modified – The most recent date the metadata record of the data asset was created, updated, or reviewed. This date is not related to the underlying data asset. 

Access URL – A direct link to the data asset for viewing or downloading, or a web page with instructions on how to access the data asset. 

Temporal coverage from – The starting date or period from which the underlying data was collected.

Temporal coverage to – The end date or period to which the underlying data was collected. A blank field indicates that data collection is ongoing. 

Update frequency – The frequency at which the data asset is revised, replaced or updated.

Publish date – The date at which the underlying data asset was made available for discovery, access and use. This date also reflects when the underlying data was updated. 

Purpose – A descriptive summary of the proposed purpose and use of the data asset.

Location –The geographic area or location the data asset covers.

Sensitive data – The sensitivity descriptor applied to the data asset in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework. 

File size – An indicative measure of the digital storage required by the data asset.

Format – The distribution format of the data asset (e.g. CSV, JPEG)

Language – The language used within the data asset (e.g. English). 

Legal authority – All legal mandates under which the data asset was collected, created, received, used, or disclosed. 

Licence – The legal document under which the data asset can be distributed or is made available. 

Disposal – Information on the correct retention or disposal of the data asset. 

Data status – The status or completeness of the metadata record. 

Publisher – The agency that made the data asset available and may control any future versions.

In addition, for records which have been incorporated into the Catalogue from external collections, the origin of the record is listed in the Source attribute.