Documentation

The following documents describe the Planetary Data System version 4 (PDS4). They are listed roughly from general to specific — probably the same order in which you should read them.

Please note that these documents are a work in progress. Data providers should establish a dialog early with the discipline node through which they plan to submit data to the PDS.

• Concepts Document
  Introduction to PDS4 key concepts — the view from 10,000 feet, avoiding gory details.
  

• Glossary - See the Concepts document.
  A concise set of definitions for key PDS4 terms. Although primarily intended as a quick reference, the Glossary is organized functionally, presenting terms in the approximate order in which you are likely to encounter them.
  

• Data Provider's Handbook — Current Release | All Releases
  A cookbook to guide data providers step-by-step through the process of developing an archive.
  

The remaining are reference documents — don't try to read them cover to cover.

• Standards Reference — Current Release | All Releases
  One of the two fundamental reference documents for PDS4. You will need this as you work your way through the Data Provider's Handbook and as you prepare an archive.
  

• Data Dictionary — Current Release | All Releases | Online Search
  The other fundamental reference for PDS4.
  

• Information Model Specification — Current Release | All Releases
  This document provides details on the design of the Information Model.
  

• Examples
  A set of products, collections, bundles, and packages that illustrates design concepts and goals. Frequently referenced by the Data Provider's Handbook.
  

• Context Products
  An online directory containing the PDS4 context products that were initially generated from the PDS3 catalog database.
  

• Policy
  The PDS Policies.