Data Specification Vocabulary (DSV): Representation of Application Profiles of Semantic Data Specifications

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Jakub Klímek, Stepán Stenchlák, Petr Skoda

Published: 2025, Last Modified: 15 Jan 2026iiWAS 2025EveryoneRevisionsBibTeXCC BY-SA 4.0
Abstract: Semantic Data Specifications (SDSs) define agreements for data exchange using semantic technologies. The authors of SDSs pick existing terms for reuse in their specific contexts, creating Application Profiles (APs). However, when the terms are reused directly, that is, without creating subclasses and subproperties, we run into a lack of machine-readable representation, especially when the AP editors still adjust labels, definitions, domains, and ranges. This leads to confusion, inefficiencies, and inconsistencies in the management and use of SDSs and APs. Based on our experience profiling SDSs in the data catalog domain, we present the Data Specification Vocabulary (DSV), our language for AP definition, supporting the specification of term reuse and refinement in SDSs. For improved machine readability of SDS metadata, DSV reuses the Profiles Vocabulary. We demonstrate DSV on DCAT, DCAT-AP and DSV itself, and we show that DSV can be used in software for SDS and AP management.