XML DATA COLLECTION
Explaining schemas, how to upload into esd-toolkit, where to go for help and advice, and maintaining standards.
WebPortal and LocalDirectgov Schemas
Where to go for help
Creating the xml file
Testing the xml file
Uploading ‘live’ xml data
Minimum Requirements Guide
Frequently asked questions
OUR OBJECTIVES
To improve accessibility to public services via the Internet by bringing together Directgov and Local Authority online services into a single offering: |
LocalDirectgov Schema
The LocalDirectgov schema was derived from the WebPortal schema but applies further restrictions to ensure its data is suitable for use by the Directgov website. XML data that complies with the LocalDirectgov schema will comply with the WebPortal schema, but the converse is not necessarily true.
The LocalDirectgov schema forms part of the infrastructure by which Local Government can contribute content to the national website for Government services Directgov (www.direct.gov.uk), as described in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Priority Service and Transformation Outcome R3 . Using xml will provide Authorities with an e-GIF compliant sustainable process for maintaining service links from Directgov.
The XML structure is defined by a series of schema files at the following address:
Where To Go For Help
As part of its national engagement strategy, Local Directgov is working with Content Management System (CMS) suppliers, regional portals and a number of ‘early adopter’ Authorities to produce case studies, protocols and examples of best practice.
We would encourage Local Authority Web Managers to speak to their CMS suppliers and regional portals about how best to implement the LocalDirectgov schema within their Authority.
If you have any questions about how this relates to your own Local Authority, please use the online forum at http://www.esd-toolkit.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=143 or contact a member of your Local Directgov Engagement team.
Other resources, including guidance documents on the schema can be found at: http://www.esd.org.uk/standards/LocalDirectgov/
Creating the xml file
Many Authorities and portals are already producing xml data, extracted using metadata (see Factsheet 8) from their websites. In order to comply with the LocalDirectgov schema, any data extract or transformation must contain certain data. The minimum requirements for this are explained at http://www.local-egov.gov.uk/ldgschemaapproach
Testing the xml file
The esd-toolkit has been enhanced to enable data feeds in the format of the LocalDirectgov schema and all Authorities who wish to use xml will need to update Local DirectGov using this facility. This also applies to xml files being generated by regional portals and enables each Authority to take responsibility for testing and uploading its own data.
Information on how to download and upload an Authority’s xml file can be found at http://www.esd.org.uk/esdtoolkit/FAQ/Por0065.pdf
However, before uploading the xml data into the live environment, it should be tested using the Authority’s login at the following test environment address:
http://www7.esd-toolkit.org/ESDToolkit3
In particular, we request that testing verifies that the following data is uploaded correctly:
- new URLs
- changes to URLs
- deletions to URLs
- phase 1 and phase 2 URLs are loaded onto the local tree for an individual Authority (particularly important for portals)
Uploading ‘live’ xml data
Having successfully tested the uploading of the xml data, the Authority should take a back up of their live local tree data from within esd-toolkit.
The xml data should now be uploaded into the live environment in exactly the same way as the test system.
Please note that esd-toolkit data is updated overnight and the live system will not reflect the latest upload until the following morning.
Minimum Requirements Guide
Local DirectGov has produced a document explaining the minimum requirements of the schema, particularly for those Authorities new to xml. This guide can be downloaded at:
http://www.local-egov.gov.uk/ldgschemaapproach
Advanced Guide
Local Directgov has produced an in depth guide to gathering data using an XML file upload. This approach is primarily designed for 'advanced' users. The guide can be downloaded from here: ww.esd.org.uk/standards/LocalDirectgov
Frequently asked questions
A reference document containing answers to frequently asked questions can be found at:
http://www.local-egov.gov.uk/ldgxmlschema/FAQs
For further information please contact your Local Directgov Engagement |