What is the EDCS ?
The EDCS is a set of dictionaries of encodings of environmental objects, phenomena, concepts, and associated data constructs, and also includes:
- Rules for expanding these dictionaries through registration,
- Conventions for applying the encodings in information processing applications, and
- Organizational Schema to aid the access of dictionary content.
An EDCS Dictionary Entry for a given environmental concept is captured as a dictionary entry which includes:
- A Definition which is an English description of an object, phenomenon, concept, or associated data construct, and may be augmented through other media.
- A Label which is a contextually unique short string intended for use by both humans and information processing systems, and compactly denotes the defined concept.
- A Code which is a positive integer that distinguishes dictionary entries and efficiently represents them for use by information processing systems.
The EDCS Registration process includes rules that delineate the requirements for adding and deprecating dictionary entries.
The EDCS supports the encoding and communication of qualitative and quantitative information associated with natural and artificial environments.