The focus of this viewpoint is on the information object without considering representation, implementation or distribution details. The aim of the information viewpoint is to provide a common understanding of the model of the shared information for all stakeholders of the reference model. The information viewpoint is independent from functions that transform and manipulate the data and the computational interfaces. This viewpoint defines a configuration of information objects, their behaviours, actions that can be performed upon the information object and constraints1. Those information objects are:
- Data: Data information object types can be content objects (observation, concept, and metadata), or container objects (dataset, inventory) grouping similar content object types.
- Agents: Agents are typically human users or machines acting on behalf of human users.
- Services: Services can be human- or automated services and are described by their behaviour or interaction.
- Contracts: Contracts usually exist between two agents, whereas standards exist within a community. They are used to describe agreements between two agents or within a community.