Data Dictionaries - 1.24.0.0
The following page links to version 1.24.0.0 of the PDS4 Data Dictionaries, including XML Schema and Schematrons for the applicable PDS4 namespace.
Past versions of the data dictionaries can be found here.
Need help with creating a dictionary or where to start, please contact the PDS Operator at pds_operator@jpl.nasa.gov.
What are you looking for?
- The latest release of the main PDS Common dictionary
- Discipline dictionaries to go with my main dictionary
- A mission or project dictionary from the archive
- A how-to on creating a dictionary
- A how-to on submitting my dictionary for archiving
- Something else? See the Table of Contents for more details
Data Dictionaries
Compatible Versions
For each version of the PDS Common Data Dictionary, all Discipline Dictionaries are built with the same version of the Common to ensure validity and compatibility. Use this page to find compatible version. If the dictionary does not appear on this page, please contact the PDS Help Desk to have it generated.
PDS Common
PDS (pds)
This directory contains the XML Schema and Schematron files under the Planetary Data System (PDS) namespace. The JSON file contains an instance of the data dictionary in JavaScript Object Notation.
- Data Dictionary Documentation: HTML, PDF
- PDS4_PDS_1O00.xsd
- PDS4_PDS_1O00.sch
- PDS4_PDS_1O00.xml
- PDS4_PDS_1O00.JSON
- PDS4_PDS_1O00.zip
Discipline Dictionaries
- Atmospheres Modeling Annex
- Cartography
- Context Type List: Instrument
- Display
- Earth-Based Telescope
- Geometry Dictionary Full
- Imaging
- Surface Imaging
- Machine Learning Analysis
- Mission Information Commons
- Surface Mission Information
- MSSS Camera Mini-header
- Multidimensional
- Nuclear Spectroscopy
- Particle
- Processing_Information
- Radar
- Rings
- Small Bodies
- Spectral Library
- Spectral
- Survey
Atmospheres Modeling Annex (ama)
The AMA dictionary provides attributes appropriate to atmospheric modeling products that will reside in the Atmospheres Modeling Annex.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-ama
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-ama
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch06.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch07.html
- Last Updated: 07/31/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
- Last Updated: 05/29/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Cartography (cart)
The Cartography Dictionary contains classes, elements, attributes, and rules describing map projections, including both cartographic and lander related definitions and descriptions. The PDS Cartography dictionary is based on and utilizes the existing Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata, with modifications and extensions applied by PDS as needed for planetary mapping application.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-cart
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-cart/
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch10.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch11.html
- Last Updated: 04/29/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Context Type List: Instrument (ctli)
The CTLI dictionary provides a set of type values for instruments for use in instrument context products.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-ctli
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-ctli/
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch22.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch23.html
- Last Updated: 10/09/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
- Last Updated: 05/23/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Display (disp)
The Display dictionary contains classes, attributes, and rules for specifying how arrays (images) as stored, should be displayed to users. For example, defining the vertical display direction 'Bottom to Top' or horizontal direction 'Left to Right' and it can provide guidance on mapping multiband arrays for color display (red, green, and blue) or as a movie sequence (video).
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-disp
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-disp
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch26.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch27.html
- Last Updated: 05/03/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Earth-Based Telescope (ebt)
The Earth-Based Telescope dictionary contains classes, attributes, and rules for specifying the metadata associated with observing parameters, provenance, and geometry relevant to ground-based telescopes on Earth and for Earth-orbiting (or Lagrange point) telescopes.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-ebt
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-ebt
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch28.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch29.html
- Last Updated: -
- Data Dictionary Files: A new version of this Local Data Dictionary was not generated with this version of the PDS4 Information Model. To submit a request to have the LDD generated, please submit a request to the PDS Help Desk, or create an issue in the PDS4 LDD Issues Repository
Geometry Dictionary Full (geom)
The Geometry dictionary contains classes, attributes, and rules for specifying the geometry parameters associated with science observations.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-geom
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-geom/
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch30.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch31.html
- Last Updated: 09/03/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
- Last Updated: 05/22/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Imaging (img)
The Imaging dictionary contains classes, attributes, and rules for specifying the metadata associated with imaging and spectrometer data products.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-img
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-img/
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch36.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch37.html
- Last Updated: 04/30/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Surface Imaging (img_surface)
The Surface Imaging dictionary contains classes, attributes, and rules for specifying the metadata associated with imaging and spectrometer data products of surface missions.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-img_surface
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-img_surface
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch38.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch39.html
- Last Updated: 05/03/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Machine Learning Analysis (ml)
The Machine Learning Analysis dictionary defines classes and attributes used to describe products generated by machine learning methods applied to PDS data. This information provides traceability for product provenance and credit to the creators.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-ml
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-ml
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch56.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch57.html
- Last Updated: 05/03/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Mission Information Commons (msn)
The sub-dictionary for the Mission Information class namespace.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-msn
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-msn
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch62.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch63.html
- Last Updated: 05/03/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Surface Mission Information (msn_surface)
The Surface Mission dictionary contains classes, attributes, and rules for specifying metadata elements which are specific to the data products of surface missions but are common among multiple such missions.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-msn_surface
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-msn_surface
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch64.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch65.html
- Last Updated: 05/03/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
MSSS Camera Mini-header (msss_cam_mh)
This dictionary is for a class of cameras developed by Malin Space Science Systems (MSSS) that share a common architecture or digital electronics assembly. Example cameras include Mastcam, MAHLI, MARDI, Mastcam-Z, SHERLOC-Watson and SHERLOC-ACI
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-msss_cam_mh
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-msss_cam_mh
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch66.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch67.html
- Last Updated: 05/03/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Multidimensional (multi)
The Multi dictionary contains classes that describe the composition of multidimensional data consisting of Array (and Array subclass) data objects. It provides a way to associated data objects and align the objects in general multi-dimensional structures.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-multi
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-multi
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch68.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch69.html
- Last Updated: 05/02/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Nuclear Spectroscopy (nucspec)
The Nuclear Spectroscopy dictionary provides classes, attributes, and rules for describing the circumstances surrounding nuclear spectroscopy observations.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-nucspec
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-nucspec
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch74.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch75.html
- Last Updated: 05/06/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Particle (particle)
The Particle dictionary contains attributes that may be used to help identify particle parameters included in a PDS4 product to supplement the information provided in the Primary_Result_Summary and in order to support enhanced data discovery.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-particle
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-particle
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch78.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch79.html
- Last Updated: 05/02/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Processing_Information (proc)
The Processing_Information Dictionary contains detailed information regarding the history of processing performed on data product(s) in order to produce the current product.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-proc
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-proc
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch80.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch81.html
- Last Updated: 06/03/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Radar (radar)
The Radar dictionary describes the circumstances surrounding radar observations.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-radar
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-radar
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch82.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch83.html
- Last Updated: 05/06/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Rings (rings)
The Rings dictionary contains classes supporting planetary ring observations including ring-specific geometric parameters.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-rings
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-rings
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch84.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch85.html
- Last Updated: 09/19/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
- Last Updated: 09/03/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
- Last Updated: 06/03/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Small Bodies (sb)
This dictionary will provide classes to support the documentation, support, discovery, and reuse of data from, by, and for small bodies research.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-sb
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-sb
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch86.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch87.html
- Last Updated: 04/29/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Spectral Library (speclib)
The Spectral Library data dictionary defines the metadata terms that describe laboratory spectral measurements, including classification of the samples measured.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-speclib
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-speclib
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch90.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch91.html
- Last Updated: 05/22/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Spectral (sp)
The Spectral (sp) discipline dictionary contains classes for defining the spectral bin characteristics (in wavelength, frequency, or wave number) of a data product.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-spectral
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-spectral
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch88.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch89.html
- Last Updated: 04/29/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Survey (survey)
The Survey dictionary provides classes, attributes, and rules for describing the circumstances surrounding sky survey observations.
Issue Tracking: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/PDS4-LDD-Issue-Repo/issues
Github Repo: https://github.com/pds-data-dictionaries/ldd-survey
Read the Docs: https://pds-data-dictionaries.github.io/ldd-survey
Specification (Classes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch92.html
Specification (Attributes): https://pds.nasa.gov/datastandards/documents/dd/v1/PDS4_PDS_DD_1O00/webhelp/all/#ch93.html
- Last Updated: 05/06/2025
- Data Dictionary Files:
Namespaces
The PDS4 XML Schema and Schematron files are organized by namespace. For a list of existing namespaces, refer to the PDS Namespace Registry.
Back to topHow To Create A Dictionary
Please contact your applicable discipline node to ensure a new dictionary is necessary prior to beginning development. Once agreed upon, there are several places to go when trying to learn how to create a dictionary.
- The PDS Data Dictionaries GitHub page
- The PDS4 Standards Reference for basic information on schema and schematrons
- Local Data Dictionary Tool Installation Guide
- Wiki pages with some helpful information on creating Local Dictionaries:
- Existing Discipline Dictionaries may provide some help in understanding how to data model
Once all information is gathered, create a ticket here to initialize a new PDS LDD and register it with the PDS Namespace Registry.
Back to topSubmitting A New Version
When a Local Data Dictionary (LDD) Steward is ready to submit a new version of an LDD for release:
Note: Assume validation has been completed by steward.
Dictionary Validation
The LDD steward is encouraged to perform test/validation via one/both of the testing mechanisms:
Note: Currently, there is no explicit way to run validate to check out the schemas, but by reading the schemas into the tool, it will raise an error if they are invalid.
- Open in Oxygen and click the red checkbox at the top.
- Execute latest validate (version 1.16.0+) and specify the schemas via the command-line, for example:
$ validate -x PDS4_CART_1C00_1932.xsd -S PDS4_CART_1C00_1932.xsd -t PDS4_CART_1C00_1932.xml
The PDS Engineering Node will also perform some basic testing and validation when a release is requested to ensure nothing makes it out as "released" that is invalid.
If there is an error, an email will be sent to the steward with error message(s).
If no error is found, the LDD will be posted to both latest and all schemas pages. An email will be sent to the steward indicating posting is completed.
