The Planetary Data System data model

Abstract

The authors describe the object-based data model in use by the Planetary Data System (PDS). This model, based on the Object Description Language (ODL) and consisting of keyword/value statements, is both human- and computer-readable and has been used to label large volumes of science data being prepared for CD-ROM archive volumes. The use of ODL for defining the objects that compose the PDS model, as well as its use in the actual labeling, has shown it to be a powerful yet simple tool for supporting the science-data archive process.<>