Getting Started with the Semantic Data Charter
From zero to self-describing data in minutes. Install the tools, run the demo, and start building.
What is SDC?
The Semantic Data Charter (SDC) is an open specification for building data that carries its own meaning, structure, and validation rules. Instead of relying on external documentation or tribal knowledge, SDC data is self-describing and deterministically validatable.
Open Specification
Built entirely on W3C, ISO, and IETF standards. No vendor lock-in, no proprietary formats.
Self-Describing Data
Every data instance carries its schema reference, semantic links, and validation constraints inline.
Embedded Semantics
RDF triples and OWL ontologies link every data element to domain-specific meaning. Machines understand the data, not just store it.
Deterministic Validation
XSD 1.1 schemas plus SHACL constraints produce the same validation result every time, on every platform. No ambiguity.
Adoption Path - No Rip and Replace Required
SDC is additive. Your existing systems keep running. You implement in stages that make sense for your organization.
Assess
Run the Maturity Map against existing systems. No changes required. Get a score.
Model Alongside
Model your highest-value data domain in SDCStudio. Existing systems keep running. SDC models sit beside them, not instead of them.
Validate at the Boundary
Install sdcvalidator where data enters or leaves a system. Existing data flows unchanged. New data gets validated.
Govern Incrementally
Add sdcgovernance where governance matters most first. One workflow. One domain. One compliance requirement.
Expand as Value Compounds
Each domain modeled makes the next domain cheaper. Components reuse. The knowledge graph grows.
Install the Tools
The SDC toolchain is available via pip. Python 3.10+ required.
sdcvalidator
Validate SDC data instances against their schemas. Deterministic, standards-compliant validation using XSD 1.1 and SHACL.
pip install sdcvalidatorsdcgovernance
Governance tooling for SDC data models. Access control, audit trails, and compliance tagging aligned with HIPAA, GDPR, and NIST.
pip install sdcgovernanceTry the Demo
Raw Data to Knowledge Graph in 5 Minutes
The SDC Agents Demo walks you through transforming unstructured data into a validated, semantically linked knowledge graph using SDC tooling and local LLM agents.
View SDC_Agents_Demo on GitHubExplore CordovaOS
CordovaOS is the runtime environment for SDC-native applications. It provides the infrastructure for deploying, validating, and managing SDC data models in production.
Read the Specification
The SDC4 Reference Model defines the complete type system, component architecture, and validation rules. It is the authoritative source for building SDC-compliant systems.
Join the Community
Connect with other practitioners, ask questions, and contribute to the specification.