RUM/FILH: a standardized operational capability model for biodiversity databases

Area of Science:

• Biodiversity Informatics
• Data Science

Background:

• Large-scale biodiversity databases enhance data accessibility but face challenges in comparability and reliability.
• Global platforms like GBIF and iNaturalist do not fully serve local or thematic data needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the RUM/FILH model, a unified service capability framework for describing biodiversity database functionalities and data management quality.
• To provide a transparent and comparable system for assessing database interoperability, metadata quality, and licensing.

Main Methods:

• The RUM model defines three core services: Read, Upload, and Modify.
• The FILH extension incorporates FAIR principles and data history accessibility.
• The model's applicability was demonstrated across various biodiversity databases.

Main Results:

• The RUM/FILH model enables consistent assessment of database interoperability, metadata, and licensing.
• The framework proved applicable to both international aggregators and community-based platforms.

Conclusions:

• The RUM/FILH model fosters trust, transparency, and collaboration in distributed biodiversity data infrastructures.
• It supports the development of a more coherent and sustainable global biodiversity informatics network.