RADAR Metadata Schema

A dataset annotated with meaningful metadata increases its visibility, discoverability, and reusability. The RADAR generic metadata schema is based on the DataCite metadata schema kernel 4.4, a widely used standard for describing datasets in a discipline-agnostic way, and is compatible with DublinCore.

The schema contains ten mandatory metadata fields, including the six mandatory fields of the DataCite metadata schema, which are obligatory for DOI registration. In addition, 13 optional parameters that are transferable to different scientific disciplines are also available. 

The RADAR metadata schema offers a combination of free text fields, controlled lists and selection options for standardised or normed entries. It supports standards data for individuals (ORCID), organisations (ROR ), funding organisations (Crossref Funder Registry), the Integrated Authority File (Gemeinsame Normdatei, GND) and numerous terminologies made available via TS4NFDI (Terminology Service 4NFDI).

Globally recognised, understandable standards (e.g. ISO standards for the language and country of origin of research data) were used to define the controlled lists.

The description with metadata can be done not only for the RADAR dataset, but also for files and folders contained in it.

The RADAR metadata schema is listed as Standard at FAIRsharing: https://fairsharing.org/10.25504/FAIRsharing.e26f92

Release: September 2025
 

Dokumentation des deskriptiven RADAR-Metadatenschemas v9.2 (PDF) (617 KB)
 
XML sample files for dataset: RADARDatasetExample v9.2 (ZIP) (6 KB)
XML sample files for single files and directories: RADARFileExample v9.2 (ZIP) (5 KB)

targetNamespace RadarElements:
https://www.radar-service.eu/schemas/descriptive/radar/v09/radar-elemen…

targetNamespace RadarTypes:
https://www.radar-service.eu/schemas/descriptive/radar/v09/radar-types

targetNamespace RadarDataset:
https://www.radar-service.eu/schemas/descriptive/radar/v09/radar-dataset

targetNamespace RadarFile:
https://www.radar-service.eu/schemas/descriptive/radar/v09/radar-file

Release: December 2022

Documentation of the descriptive RADAR Metadata Schema v9.1 (PDF) (617 KB, in German language only)
 
XML sample files for dataset: RADARDatasetExample v9.1 (ZIP) (6 KB)
XML sample files for single files and directories: RADARFileExample v9.1 (ZIP) (5 KB)

targetNamespace RadarElements:
https://www.radar-service.eu/schemas/descriptive/radar/v09/radar-elemen…

targetNamespace RadarTypes:
https://www.radar-service.eu/schemas/descriptive/radar/v09/radar-types

targetNamespace RadarDataset:
https://www.radar-service.eu/schemas/descriptive/radar/v09/radar-dataset

targetNamespace RadarFile:
https://www.radar-service.eu/schemas/descriptive/radar/v09/radar-file

Release: November 2017

Documentation of the descriptive RADAR Metadata Schema v09 (PDF) (407 KB, in German language only)

XML sample files for dataset: RADARDatasetExample v09 (ZIP) (5 KB)
XML sample files for single files and directories: RADARFileExample v09 (ZIP) (4 KB)

Schemalocation RadarElements:
https://www.radar-service.eu/schemas/descriptive/radar/v09/RadarElement…

Schemalocation RadarTypes:
https://www.radar-service.eu/schemas/descriptive/radar/v09/RadarTypes.x…

targetNamespace RadarDataset:
https://www.radar-service.eu/schemas/descriptive/radar/v09/radar-dataset

targetNamespace RadarFile:
https://www.radar-service.eu/schemas/descriptive/radar/v09/radar-file

Please note: In addition to the standard annotation using the generic RADAR metadata schema, RADAR Software v1.9 (Mai 2021) also offers the possibility of annotation using flexibly selectable discipline-specific schemas. Please inform yourself about this in our FAQ or contact us!