Clearing House for Transport Data & Transport Models - Concept and Implementation

Abstract

The paper presents both concept and current implementation status of the new "Clearing House for Transport Data and Transport Models", run by the Institute for Transport Research at the German Aerospace Center. Although transport related research is highly dependent on reliable data, many relevant empirical studies, statistical data or modelling approaches are exclusively known only by a small number of well informed users. Facing that problem, the internet-based clearinghouse will facilitate easy access to metadata as well as datasets and models for a broader public. The information available on the website includes a wide range of detailed metadata, related material such as scanned questionnaires, code lists, publication lists, or supplementary hyperlinks. Using XML-technology, the documentation of metadata ist based on the DDI Documet Type Definition "codebook.dtd". Search for datasets or models is supported by thematic catalogues and a site-specific search-engine based on a thesaurus. To display both data and metadata of statistical data the NESSTAR system is used.