Description
At the Feb 7, 2013 meeting of the Reference Information Model Subcommittee, the members discussed the following topics:
1. TOPIC: What are the implications of adopting and using the “Layers” concept as an extension mechanism in EDXL standards? (Answer: Jeff described several implications, including providing a balance between interoperability and flexibility, the ability to provide some control through guidance and some important structure in a layer such as the use of URIs for names, the opportunity for layers to allow local communities to explore their important local information sharing needs and terminology and serve as a glide-path to more formal standard development, the significance of including layers in the DE since it is a wrapper for other EDXL standards. Discussion on this topic will occur at our next Infrastructure Framework meeting.)
2. TOPIC: Should we use the term “Layer” since the term is used in other contexts? (Answer: The participants agreed that another name should be considered. “ExtensionLayer”, “Extension”, and other names were offered but more thought is needed on this topic.)
3. TOPIC: How should we resolve the use (or misuse) of “Unknown” as a value for elements like urgency and certainty? (Answer: There was general consensus that the use of “unknown” needs to be reevaluated. Sometimes it is being used to mean “insignificant” and sometimes other meanings. More discussion on this topic will occur at our next meeting.)
