Definition

A set of information, incorporated by a person or system, that allows that person or system to understand received information. Since a key purpose of an OAIS is to preserve information for a Designated Community, the OAIS must understand the Knowledge Base of its Designated Community to understand the minimum Representation Information that must be maintained. The OAIS should then make a decision between maintaining the minimum Representation Information needed for its Designated Community, or maintaining a larger amount of Representation Information that may allow understanding by a larger Consumer community with a less specialized Knowledge Base, which would be the equivalent of extending the definition of the Designated Community. Over time, evolution of the Designated Community’s Knowledge Base may require updates to the Representation Information to ensure continued understanding.

Source

Consultative Committee on Space Data Systems. Open Archival Information System (OAIS) recommended practice. CCSDS 650.0-M-2.

Related terms

Designated Community

Further reading