Schemaforenhed

Schemaforenhed is a term used in Danish information architecture to denote a reusable building block within a data schema. It refers to a discrete data concept that is defined with its own name, semantics and constraints, and can be composed with other schemaforenheder to form larger data structures.

Definition and purpose

A schemaforenhed encapsulates a specific data element to be used across one or more schemas. Its purpose is to promote consistency, reuse, and interoperability by providing a well-defined unit of meaning, data type, and rules that govern its value.

Structure

A typical schemaforenhed includes:

- A unique identifier and label

- A semantic description

- A data type (for example string, integer, date, boolean)

- Cardinality (mandatory/optional, single/multiple)

- Constraints (length, range, pattern, required)

- Allowed values or enumerations

- Relationships to other schemaforenheder (references, compositions)

- Metadata (unit of measure, language, version, provenance)

Implementation and governance

Schemaforenheder are often maintained in a schema registry or metadata repository. They are governed by naming conventions, versioning, and change management procedures. They may be mapped to broader standards or registries such as data dictionaries, ISO/IEC 11179 metadata standards, or national public sector catalogs to support interoperability.

Examples

Examples include PersonSurname, AddressPostalCode, or EventDate, each representing a single data concept with defined type and constraints.

See also

Data element, Data dictionary, Data model, Schema, Metadata registry. Note: schemaforenhed is a descriptive Danish term rather than a universally standardized term, and usage may vary between organizations.

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