mobilityDCAT-AP Generator Tool ​
Form-based web interface that generates RDF metadata according to the mobilityDCAT-AP specification. Perfect for NAP operators and data publishers.
Quick Info ​
| Endorsed | 🏆 NAPCORE Endorsed |
| License | Apache-2.0 |
| Website | mobilitydcat-ap.github.io/mobilitydcatap-ui/ |
| Repository | GitHub Repository |
| Developer | Cefriel |
| Maintained by | NAPCORE Metadata Working Group |
| Technology | RDF, JSON |
Overview ​
The mobilityDCAT-AP Generator Tool is a form-based web interface that generates RDF metadata according to the mobilityDCAT-AP specification. This tool allows users to create structured, machine-readable metadata descriptions for mobility datasets and data services without needing to write RDF code directly.
It's designed to help data publishers test and experiment with different metadata elements while learning how to properly describe mobility data according to the mobilityDCAT-AP standard. The form is compliant with the minimum profile of mobilityDCAT-AP.
Key Features ​
- Form-based interface: No need to write RDF code manually
- Guided metadata creation: Step-by-step approach to creating compliant metadata
- Learning tool: Experiment with different metadata elements to understand mobilityDCAT-AP
- Instant RDF generation: Produces machine-readable RDF output
- Minimum profile compliance: Ensures generated metadata meets minimum requirements
- Web-based: No installation required, accessible via browser
- Open source: Available for review, modification, and self-hosting
- Docker support: Can be deployed using Docker containers
Use Cases ​
- Creating metadata for mobility datasets on National Access Points
- Learning mobilityDCAT-AP: Understanding what metadata elements are required and optional
- Testing metadata: Experimenting with different metadata configurations
- Quick prototyping: Generating sample metadata for proof-of-concept work
- Documentation: Creating example metadata for specifications and guidelines
- Training: Teaching teams how to properly describe mobility data
Standards Supported ​
Target Audience ​
- NAP operators creating metadata catalogues
- Data publishers describing mobility datasets
- Developers implementing mobilityDCAT-AP in their platforms
- Metadata specialists learning the mobilityDCAT-AP specification
- Data portal administrators
- Anyone needing to create standardized metadata for mobility data
About mobilityDCAT-AP ​
mobilityDCAT-AP is a metadata specification developed by NAPCORE to enhance cross-border and cross-sectorial discoverability of mobility-related datasets. It extends DCAT-AP (the European standard for data portal metadata) with mobility-specific elements, providing precise metadata designations for:
- Data topics and categories
- Data providers and publishers
- Data formats and access methods
- Geographical coverage
- Temporal coverage
- Update frequency
- Mobility-relevant aspects
The specification addresses the fragmented European mobility data ecosystem by enabling harmonized, platform-independent metadata descriptions in both human-readable and machine-readable formats.
mobilityDCAT-AP Key Info ​
- Specification v1.1.0: Released January 2025
- Governance: Maintained by NAPCORE Metadata Working Group
- Requirements: Based on 40 requirements from literature review and stakeholder input
- Adoption: Early adopters include several European NAPs
- Documentation: w3id.org/mobilitydcat-ap
Related Resources ​
- mobilityDCAT-AP Specification: w3id.org/mobilitydcat-ap
- Main GitHub Organization: github.com/mobilityDCAT-AP
- Specification Repository: github.com/mobilityDCAT-AP/mobilityDCAT-AP
- Controlled Vocabularies: github.com/mobilityDCAT-AP/controlled-vocabularies
Technical Architecture ​
- Framework: Built using Cefriel's rapid-triples tool
- Frontend: Vue.js application
- Deployment: Static hosting via GitHub Pages
- Output format: RDF (Resource Description Framework)
- Docker support: Can be deployed using Docker containers
Deployment Options ​
- Use the hosted version: mobilitydcat-ap.github.io/mobilitydcatap-ui
- Self-host using Docker
- Integrate into existing data portal infrastructure
Why This Tool Matters ​
mobilityDCAT-AP Generator Tool addresses critical needs in the European mobility data ecosystem:
- Lowers barriers: Makes metadata creation accessible to non-technical users
- Standardization: Ensures metadata follows the recommended European standard
- Educational value: Helps users understand mobilityDCAT-AP requirements through hands-on experience
- NAP adoption: Supports implementation of mobilityDCAT-AP across National Access Points
- European initiative: Part of official NAPCORE recommendations for metadata harmonization
- Quick start: Enables data publishers to create compliant metadata immediately
- Open approach: Transparent, community-driven tool development
- Cross-border interoperability: Facilitates findability and reusability of mobility data across Europe
Recent Publication ​
The methodology and design of mobilityDCAT-AP was published in March 2025:
"mobilityDCAT-AP: a Metadata Specification for Enhanced Cross-border Mobility Data Sharing"
Available on arXiv: 2503.11535
Getting Started ​
- Visit the tool: mobilitydcat-ap.github.io/mobilitydcatap-ui
- Fill in the form: Provide information about your dataset or data service
- Generate RDF: Click to generate machine-readable metadata
- Download or copy: Use the generated RDF in your data portal or catalog
No installation or registration required!
Implementation Support ​
- GitHub Issues: For questions and feedback
- Wiki: FAQs and practical guidelines
- Direct support: From NAPCORE Metadata Working Group for early adopters
- Community: Connect through NAPCORE channels
Learning Resource
This tool is an excellent way to learn mobilityDCAT-AP by doing. Start with a simple dataset description and explore optional fields to understand the full specification capabilities.
Source Code ​
- Tool Repository: github.com/mobilityDCAT-AP/mobilitydcatap-ui
- Specification: github.com/mobilityDCAT-AP/mobilityDCAT-AP
- License: Apache-2.0 (open source)
Community & Support ​
- Issues & Questions: GitHub Issues
- Discussions: NAPCORE Metadata Working Group
- Documentation: mobilityDCAT-AP Wiki