Modelling data across labs, genomes, space and time

Abstract
Logical models and physical specifications provide the foundation for storage, management and analysis of complex sets of data, and describe the relationships between measured data elements and metadata — the contextual descriptors that define the primary data. Here, we use imaging applications to illustrate the purpose of the various implementations of data specifications and the requirement for open, standardized, data formats to facilitate the sharing of critical digital data and metadata.