International Mathematics Metadata Task Force

National Task Forces

USA

Switzerland

THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

About the International Task Force . . .

The International Mathematics Metadata Task Force reports to the technical advisory board of the Committee on Electronic Information and Communication of the International Mathematical Union. Established in December, 1999, its charter is as follows.


Goals:

  • To create a uniform semantic base for metadata (the MathMetadata set) for the whole of mathematics.
  • To combine existing metadata sets for various types of mathematical resources to form a consistent set covering all objects relevant for mathematics.

In Detail:

  1. The MathMetadata set will be defined by the requirements of the users. It will provide strong support for enhanced content analysis and retrieval of mathematical objects.
  2. A MathMetadata set is essential for a unique and stable identification of mathematical objects, including · Networking of objects, · Storage and archiving of objects.
  3. The MathMetadata set is to be interoperable with the important Metadata standards.
  4. The Task Force will cooperate with other Metadata initiatives relevant to science.
  5. The Task Force will encourage development of methods and tools for the user-friendly generation of Metadata.
  6. If it turns out that variant MathMetadata forms are developed, explicit dictionaries amongst such forms will be provided.
  7. MathMetadata will facilitate

    1. Storage and retrieval of research and educational mathematical material.
    2. Interoperability of mathematical software and other resources.
    3. Building of sophisticated search tools for identification of resources.
    4. Examination of resources at various levels of granularity; from single equations to entire books or courses.
    5. Interactive and dynamic mathematics.
  8.  

  9. MathMetaData will support the development of local extensions, notably subject classifications for national educational systems.

    • MathMetaData will have XML and RDF bindings.
    • The MathMetaData Task Force will coordinate with W3C efforts, including MathML.
    • Relevant theoretical and applied research in taxonomic structures and the automated generation and maintenance of thesauri will be followed.

Steps: The following steps will be taken according to the timeline.

Deadline Step
0 months Set up MathMetaData Task Force
+ 2 Exchange reports from participating groups
+ 3 Commence integration of scopes and aims among national organizations developing or requesting the development of mathematical metadata standards
+ 4 Detail comparison of major relevant MetaData vocabularies, e.g. LOM and DC
To +9 Version 1.0 of MathMetaData standards (working group process)
9 Submission to the CEIC for approval
To +12 Version 1.0 of recommendations for taxonomies (working group process)
12 Submission to the CEIC for approval
ongoing Specification of tools? MathML coordination?

©1999, 2000 by the American Mathematics Metadata Task Force. Distribution subject to Open Content License. Site created by Robby Robson. Web hosting by the Math Forum. Last Modified: Thursday, 06-Jan-2000 10:42:29 EST