SWIM-SERV-022 Information definition
Last updated: AUGUST 26th, 2019
Requirement
Guidance
This requirements sets out the minimum detail needed to describe each element of the information that is exchanged. For example, if the exchange involves information about "aerodromes" the "aerodrome" element type should be described. This means the element type should be given a name, a description, etc based on the bulleted list in the requirement. The result is called an information definition.
Most of the details required are self-explanatory. The semantic correspondence of the element type with the AIRM is established following the requirements found in the Guidance on semantic correspondence section of the SWIM Information Definition Handbook.
The information definition should be complete, covering all of the element types that are exchanged, including a definition of service operation parameters, attributes and data types. However, the information definition can be provided in several ways e.g.:
- embedded into the service description
- by reference to an external document
- by reference to a standardised information exchange model.
Regardless of the option chosen, SWIM-SERV-023 AIRM conformance requires that the service description contains a statement on its AIRM conformance. This requirement affects SWIM-SERV-022; the information definition shall follow the semantic correspondence requirements in the EUROCONTROL Specification for SWIM Information Definition in order to provide evidence of its AIRM conformance.
Best Practice
It is best practice to base the information definition on the requirements found in the EUROCONTROL Specification for SWIM Information Definition, ensuring that it also contains the extra details required by this requirement.
The EUROCONTROL Specification for SWIM Information Definition requires less detail to be provided for each element type: SWIM-INFO-007 Information definition concepts requires only a name, definition and (if needed) a data type.
However, the specification also goes beyond what is asked for by the EUROCONTROL Specification for SWIM Service Description. For example, it requires that each element type has a unique identifier (SWIM-INFO-008 Unique identifiers for concepts) and a dedicated namespace.
Examples
See the Information Definition section within the Donlon TOBT Setting Service Description.