Skip to main content

Glossary

This glossary provides definitions for key terms used throughout the MVMD documentation.

Core Concepts​

Metadata​

Structured information that describes, explains, locates, or otherwise makes it easier to retrieve, use, or manage digital assets.

JSON-LD​

JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data (JSON-LD) is a method of encoding linked data using JSON. It provides a way to express Schema.org metadata using JSON syntax.

Namespace​

A container for a set of identifiers or properties that helps prevent naming conflicts. In MVMD, different standards (like Schema.org, glTF, etc.) have their own namespaces.

Schema.org​

A collaborative community project that creates, maintains, and promotes schemas for structured data on the internet, serving as the foundation for MVMD metadata.

Embedding​

Directly including metadata within a file or data structure, as opposed to linking to external metadata.

Linking​

Connecting to metadata stored in separate files through references, rather than embedding it directly.

Metaverse Asset Types​

3D Model​

A digital representation of a three-dimensional object that can be rendered and viewed from different angles.

Avatar​

A digital representation of a user or character in a virtual environment, typically customizable and animated.

Scene​

A virtual environment or space that contains multiple assets and defines their relationships.

Wearable​

Digital items that can be worn by avatars, such as clothing, accessories, or equipment.

Digital Twin​

A virtual representation of a physical object, environment, or system that mirrors the real-world counterpart.

Composable Asset​

An asset that consists of multiple components that can be assembled, reconfigured, or customized.

Technical Terms​

@context​

In JSON-LD, the @context property defines the vocabulary and rules for interpreting the metadata.

@type​

In JSON-LD, the @type property specifies the type of the object being described, which determines available properties.

additionalProperty​

A Schema.org property used in MVMD to add custom or extended properties that aren't defined in the core Schema.org vocabulary.

PropertyValue​

A Schema.org type used to represent name-value pairs, commonly used with additionalProperty in MVMD.

Integration Profile​

A standardized metadata template for specific asset types or use cases that ensures interoperability.

Validation​

The process of checking metadata against schema definitions and rules to ensure its correctness and completeness.

Metadata Properties​

contentUrl​

A URL pointing to the content file or resource being described.

encodingFormat​

The MIME type or format of the content, such as "model/gltf-binary" for glTF files.

license​

The license under which the content is released, defining how it can be used, modified, or distributed.

creator​

The person or organization that created the content.

identifier​

A unique identifier for the asset, typically structured as a PropertyValue with propertyID and value.

Standards and Formats​

glTF (GL Transmission Format)​

An open standard file format for 3D scenes and models developed by the Khronos Group.

USD (Universal Scene Description)​

A framework for interchange of 3D computer graphics data developed by Pixar.

VRM​

An extension to glTF for 3D humanoid avatars, supporting facial expressions and other avatar-specific features.

C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity)​

A technical standard for certifying the source and history of media content.

MIME Type​

A standard that indicates the nature and format of a file or data (e.g., "model/gltf-binary").

Implementation Concepts​

Cross-Platform​

The ability for an asset to function across different metaverse platforms, environments, or applications.

Interoperability​

The ability of different systems to work together and exchange information seamlessly.

Portability​

The ability to move assets between different environments or platforms without losing functionality.

Discoverability​

The ease with which assets can be found through search, browsing, or recommendation systems.

Validator​

A tool that checks metadata against schema definitions to ensure correctness and completeness.