Changes to File Type and Compression
Table of Contents
Overview and Rationale
Starting with Release 5.3.0 (August 15, 2023) the InPort team is implementing an update and standardization of the Distribution Format (currently called File Type) and Compression fields in the Distribution Information section. The main purposes of this update are:
- To standardize values for Distribution Formats for improved accuracy and cross-comparison between records.
- To enhance interoperability with external metadata systems which make use of distribution format information.
- To separate compression information from distribution format information, which are intended to document different things.
Release Changes
Release 5.3.0 - August 15, 2023
-
The Compression field will be updated.
Most changes are on the backend, and will be transparent to users; however, a few additional compression options will be added as well. -
Compression-related values found in the File Type field will be mapped to the Compression
field.
For existing metadata records which currently specify a compression format in the File Type field, a corresponding value will be set in the Compression field, unless that field is already populated. The original File Type value will not be removed.
Release 5.3.1 - Late September 2023 (estimated)
-
The File Type field will be deprecated.
Existing data will be retained and will continue to be displayed in the interface; however, values will be read-only and will only be used as a backup value in metadata exports when Distribution Format is not populated. -
A new Distribution Format field will be added.
This field is intended to replace the existing File Type field, and will be a controlled list, rather than a free text field. -
Existing File Type values will be mapped automatically to the corresponding Distribution
Format value.
This mapping should work for the large majority of records, but there will be some records where an appropriate mapping cannot be found. We recommend that users review their records to ensure that Distribution Format is populated appropriately. -
The Completeness Rubric will be updated to use Distribution Format for scoring.
The Rubric will continue to use File Type as a fallback value for scoring, so scores should not be affected with this update. However, File Type will be removed completely in 6 months (April 2024 or later), at which point File Type will no longer count for Rubric scoring.
Deprecation Schedule
Please refer to the following information on the deprecation schedule. Dates are estimates, but they will not occur earlier than the listed date.
| Date | Changes |
|---|---|
| September 2023 | File Type deprecated. |
| April 2024 |
File Type removed from UI. <file-type> removed from XML export. Rubric updated to only count Distribution Format and not File Type. |