Darwin Core data standard FAQs

What is Darwin Core?

Darwin Core is a data standard, a template to be used when organising data in a database or a table in order to have distinct and precise fields with a known and fixed information format in each of them. It has been created as a helping basis to make FAIR data.

The direct benefit of the Darwin Core standard is the high level of compatibility between data from different sources.

How is Darwin Core organised?

Each term of Darwin Core has a precise and unique definition, and for some a controlled vocabulary is highly recommended. The terms are organised in categories, based on the data they must contain. Concerning data of natural history institutions, the categories could correspond to these following themes:

Where can I find the Darwin Core terms description?

On the Darwin Core official website, the Quick Reference Guide is the easiest to use.

Here are a few of the top-10 most used fields in natural history institutions’ databases. The ones marked with a “!” should use only a controlled vocabulary.

What is a controlled vocabulary?

A controlled vocabulary is a standardized set of terms and phrases used to ensure consistency and accuracy in the documentation and cataloging of specimens. This vocabulary facilitates clear communication, data sharing, and interoperability among researchers, institutions, and databases by providing a common language for describing attributes such as species, locations, and collection methods. Darwin Core is widely used for biodiversity data, to ensure that everyone uses the same terms in the same way when recording and sharing information about natural history collections.