Glossary

API (Application Programming Interface)

A way for software to request data directly from a website or service, without a person downloading files manually. Used by developers and analysts to build tools or automate data retrieval.

For example, someone tracking hospitality data over time can use the data.gov.scot API to get the latest figures as they are updated. They do not need to download data files manually. Their software will connect to the API and get the updated data automatically.

CKAN

An open-source platform that runs the data.gov.scot catalogue and API.

It’s also used by the National Data Library and other government open data sites. The search and API patterns used on data.gov.scot may be familiar if you have used these sites.

Data file

A single file within a dataset.

Dataset

A collection of related data published by a Scottish public body. For example, annual school attendance figures in Scotland.

Data zone

Small, fixed areas used in official statistics.

They split Scotland into areas with similar population sizes so you can compare figures from different places fairly. They fit inside larger geographies such as intermediate zones and council areas.

Data zones usually stay the same for 10 years. This means you can track changes in the same place over time. They are based on census data and are updated after each census.

DCAT-AP (data catalogue vocabulary application profile)

A standard way to describe datasets, used by open data sites across Europe.

Every dataset using DCAT-AP includes the same set of metadata details, such as:

• title

• publisher

• format

• licence

This makes it easier to share and compare data between different sites. This is useful if you are working with the data.gov.scot API or linking data catalogues together.

Intermediate zone

An area used in official statistics bigger than data zones but smaller than local council areas. They are made up of groups of neighbouring data zones.

They cover larger populations and are useful when data zones are too small to give reliable figures.

Licence

The terms under which a dataset can be used, shared or adapted. Most data on this site is published under an open licence, which means you can use it freely. Always check the licence on the dataset page before using the data.

Lookup table

A reference list that matches codes between different geographies. For example, a lookup table can show which intermediate zone, council area and health board each data zone is in.

You can use a lookup table to combine or convert data in different geographies. For example, you can add up data zone figures to get totals for a council area.

Metadata

Information about a dataset, including:

• title

• description

• publisher

• last updated date

• file format

Open data

Data that anyone can use and share freely. It’s published in a format that is machine-readable and includes a licence that allows reuse.

Organisation

The public body that published the dataset. For example, a Scottish Government directorate, a local council or a health board.

Slug

A short, web-friendly version of the title of a dataset, used at the end of its web address (URL).

For example, in ‘data.gov.scot/datasets/labour-productivity-annual’, the slug is ‘labour-productivity-annual’.

Slugs use lowercase letters and hyphens. The data.gov.scot API uses slugs to identify a dataset.

Tag

A keyword that helps people find a dataset or discover related datasets. Tags are similar to themes but are more specific. For example, a dataset tagged ‘primary schools’ may sit within a broader ‘Education’ theme.

Theme

A broad category used to group related datasets. For example, ‘Housing’, ‘Population’ or ‘Transport’. You can browse datasets by theme on the data.gov.scot homepage.