Definition
Either a physical object or a digital object.
Source: Consultative Committee on Space Data Systems. Open Archival Information System (OAIS) recommended practice. CCSDS 650.0-M-2.
Introduction
OAIS models information around the principle that "data interpreted using its representation information yields information." This principle enables libraries, archives, and museums to apply one conceptual data model to physical objects and digital objects.
Image source
Obtaining information from data. Consultative Committee on Space Data Systems. Open Archival Information System (OAIS) recommended practice, Figure 2-2. CCSDS 650.0-M-2.
Representation information includes, for example, technical information about the file formats that are used to bundle data (i.e., bitstreams) into digital objects that can be accessed and stored.
Related terms
Content data object
Digital object
Further reading
Consultative Committee on Space Data Systems. Open Archival Information System (OAIS) recommended practice. CCSDS 650.0-M-2.