datapages

Datapages are the individual records within a data catalog or repository that describe a dataset and provide access to its contents. They serve as the primary unit of discovery, citation, and access in many data portals, linking metadata, data files, and related resources in a persistent, machine-readable form.

A datapage typically contains metadata fields such as title, creators and contributors, publisher or host organization, publication date, version, and a persistent identifier (for example a DOI). It also includes a description or abstract, licensing information, access rights, and provenance. Technical details such as data formats, file sizes, geographic or temporal coverage, and the data model or schema may be documented, along with quality notes and methodology. The datapage may provide direct download links, API endpoints, or references to data bundles, as well as previews or sample data to help users assess suitability. Relationships to related datasets, publications, or services are often captured through citations and cross-references.

Datapages play a key role in data governance by supporting reproducibility, attribution, and reuse. They are commonly constructed following metadata standards such as Dublin Core, DataCite, DCAT, or domain-specific schemas, and may be indexed by search engines within or across data catalogs. In various fields, "datapages" can also refer to a platform or repository that curates disciplinary data resources, such as geological data libraries, illustrating the term’s practical applications.