andmeformaadi

Andmeformaadi is an open-standard data interchange format designed to enable interoperable data exchange across diverse software systems. Conceived as a self-describing format, Andmeformaadi aims to combine data payload, metadata, and provenance into a single, validated document.

Its core goals include interoperability, extensibility, and verifiability. The format supports schema-based validation, versioning, and multi-layer serialization that includes a human-readable text form and a compact binary form. Andmeformaadi defines a core vocabulary and mechanisms for extending the schema to accommodate domain-specific concepts while preserving backward compatibility.

An Andmeformaadi document comprises a header with version and metadata, a schema reference, and a data section that conforms to the referenced schema. The metadata supports attributes such as creators, timestamps, provenance, and access policies. A lightweight digital signature mechanism is defined to ensure integrity and authenticity, facilitating auditability and trust across institutions.

Andmeformaadi was proposed by the Andmeformaadi Consortium in the early 2010s and is maintained by the Andmeformaadi Foundation, an open governance body representing industry, academia, and public sector stakeholders. The project follows an open standards process with public review and versioned releases, encouraging community involvement and transparent decision making.

Adoption remains limited to pilot projects and niche deployments, with ongoing work focused on tooling, documentation, and interoperability. Andmeformaadi emphasizes compatibility with existing formats by providing adapters and conversion tools to JSON, XML, and Protobuf, enabling gradual integration into existing data ecosystems. See also data format, data interchange, schema language, and digital provenance.