Data Requirements Library

This Data Requirements Library documents the terminology and categories used to classify and describe Environment Agency (EA) assets. It also documents the specific data attributes that are used to describe the properties of each Asset Type and its Element Types.

Asset Categories

The EA has identified different types of Asset. These Asset Types are grouped into Asset Category groupings, as listed below.

The Asset Complex Category is a special case because its Assets are used to define geospatial areas, not physical assets. Similarly, the Information Deliverables Category defines document types and attributes to be used in filenames.

You can explore each Asset Type further by clicking on its name. This will take you to a more detailed description which may be supported by photos and diagrams that highlight key elements. There is also a table which lists the Element Types and specific data attributes that are used to describe that Asset Type.

Data about each Asset Type, Element Type and their attributes can also be accessed in JSON or CSV. These formats can be directly queried by remote applications to support supplier-side automation.

Please read the Data Requirements Library in conjunction with the Environment Agency Exchange Information Requirements.

The 'View History' link at the top of the page gives you access to older versions of the DRL content. A summary of the changes made in each version can be found on Data Services Platform Support.

For a detailed history of changes made to a particular Asset Category, Asset Type, Element Type or attribute, click on the 'View history' links under its description, or within the data tables.

To suggest changes to the content of the Data Requirements Library, click on the relevant 'Request new...' or 'Request changes' link, and provide details of your suggestion.

Request new Category

Quick Links

The following links provide quick access to the complete lists of Asset Categories, Asset Types, Elements, Attributes and Picklists defined in the currently-selected version of the DRL data.

Asset Categories
JSON CSV
Asset Types are grouped into Asset Categories. These links provide access to the complete list of Asset Categories defined in the currently-selected version of the data.
Asset Types
JSON CSV
These links provide access to the complete list of Asset Types defined in the currently-selected version of the data.
Elements
JSON CSV
Each Asset Type is composed of a set of Element Types. These links provide access to the completed set of Element Types defined across all Asset Types in the currently-selected version of the data.
Attributes
JSON CSV
Each Asset and Element Type is described by a set of attributes. These links provide access to the complete list of Attributes defined across all Asset and Element Types in the currently-selected version of the data. Warning: The attributes file is large, and may take some time to download.
Picklists
JSON CSV
These links provide access to the complete set of picklists defined in the currently-selected version of the data.
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