Kirjeldusvorm

Kirjeldusvorm is an Estonian term formed from kirjeldus (description) and vorm (form). In information management it denotes a standardized template or form used to describe an object, event, or phenomenon. The concept focuses on providing a consistent structure for recording descriptive data to enable search, retrieval, and interoperability.

A kirjeldusvorm typically defines a set of data elements that should be filled to produce a complete description. Common fields include title or name, type or category, physical characteristics, location or provenance, date or period, and sources or references. The form may also specify which fields are mandatory, which are optional, and which use controlled vocabularies or predefined pick lists to ensure consistency.

Uses of kirjeldusvorm span several domains. In archives, libraries, and museums, such forms standardize cataloging records and object descriptions. In cadastral or land administration contexts, description forms help document property characteristics and ownership details. In field surveys and ecological studies, they provide templates for recording observational data. By imposing a common description structure, kirjeldusvorms facilitate data sharing, comparison, and long‑term preservation.

Standards and customization: While the term itself is generic, in practice a kirjeldusvorm is often aligned with metadata standards such as Dublin Core, IPTC, or domain-specific schemas. Organizations commonly adapt a base template by adding sector‑specific fields like condition, method of description, or media references to suit their needs.

Overall, the kirjeldusvorm serves as a practical tool for capturing consistent, reusable descriptive information across different information systems and workflows.